This post was put together by both Ryan and Cade!

Eli White

White, alongside Vaughn Grissom, has been a juggernaut offensively. For a guy that is known for his speed and defense, this is the pleastantest of surprises (yeah, I know that’s incorrect grammar…deal with it). White is currently carrying a 1.625 OPS that features 2 HRs 1 single, 2 BB and 2 SB in 10 total PAs. This isn’t a 2023 AAA anomaly as he was also destroying baseballs in spring training when he carried a 1.393 OPS in 32 PAs during spring training. He’s definitely worth keeping tabs on, but if he’s truly finally developed power, look out folks.

Forrest Wall

Like Sam Hilliard, former 1st round pick Forrest Wall was trapped in the dumpster fire or an organization that is the Rockies, and now that he’s out, he’s showing a strong stick, carrying a 1.025 OPS in 11 PAs. He’s also stolen 2 bases.

Magneuris Sierra

While it’s empty, and will likely always be because he lacks power, Sierra’s numbers have been strong, including a very healthy .455 OBP, and has stolen a base.

Joshua Fuentes

There seems to be a team here. First, it was Hilliard, then Wall, and now Fuentes is the 3rd player that was “developed” in the Rockies org. Fuentes was never able to replicate his MILB numbers and was let loose by the Rockies after 3 part-time years in the Majors. He played for AAA Buffalo in 2022 and landed with the Braves this offseason. He’s currently OPS’ing .633 and probably profiles as a Phil Gosselin type player who can be called on in a pinch and let go without hesitation.

Bryce Elder

Elder was the opening day starter for the Stripers and while he didn’t earn the win, he kept the team in it and they were able to open up the season 1-0.  He tossed 6 innings and gave up four runs on five hits while striking out four and walking one. Elder showed a lot of promise as a backend starter in several short stints with Atlanta last season and he may get another chance soon. His opening day start puts him in line to make a start Wednesday in Saint Louis. While no official moves have been made, this seems to be the most logical course of action for the front office. 

Ian Anderson

Ian’s spring training woes followed him all the way back to Gwinnett County in Sunday’s series finale. Anderson threw 37 pitches and was unable to get out of the first inning before being pulled. He went two thirds of an inning while giving up six earned runs on four hits. Three of those hits were home runs off of his fastball. The path back to Atlanta seems to be getting longer and longer as his struggles continue. With young pitching being the foundation of the Braves farm system, Ian has his work cut out for him if he wants to make the big league roster anytime soon. Jared Shuster, Dylan Dodd and Bryce Elder all getting opportunities tells me a lot about where the club stands with Ian and I find it hard to blame them. He’s been bad. It will be interesting to see where Ian ultimately ends up if he continues to struggle in the minor leagues. 

Vaughn Grissom

Grissom continued his impressive spring training expo and lit up the scorebook over the course of the weekend. He racked up 13 total bases in three games thanks to a couple of triples and a game tying homer on Sunday. He also scored six runs in the series ,drove in three and stole a couple of bases while he was at it. It seems as though Vaughn took being sent down this spring very personally and he’s showing out. 

A 1.646 OPS on opening weekend will certainly turn heads in the Cobb County offices. Jordan Luplow was designated for assignment as I’m typing this so it will be interesting to see who the club chooses to fill that roster spot. Grissom or Eli White gets my vote.

Braden Shewmake

While Shewmake might’ve looked like the most improved prospect in the org, other than a walkoff HR after 4 straight Ks, he hasn’t really shown much yet. It’s early and it’s in the entire Braves org’s best interest that Shewmake and Vaughn drive each other to be better.

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