The Atlanta Braves aren’t brimming with minor league talent, but they have it where it matters.
The Atlanta Braves have assembled a juggernaut of a big league squad, with every single defensive position secured for multiple years and those players combining to form one of the strongest offenses in modern baseball history in 2023.
As a result of all of the talent movement, whether into Atlanta’s lineup or out via trades, the farm system is regarded as one of the lowest five in MLB.
But here’s the thing: while it may appear “bad” on paper when compared to other organizations, it’s ideal for Atlanta.
We’ll wrap up “Prospect Week” tomorrow with our top five prospects, all of whom are pitchers. Nineteen of the system’s top 31 players are pitchers, with ten of the top fifteen being so.
Because that is what the major league roster requires directly from the farm system.
The Function of a Farm System
I see this a lot on Locked On MLB Prospects (which, I’ve been told, is the #1 daily Minor League Baseball podcast, available wherever you listen to podcasts and on YouTube). Check it out!).
There is a sense of pride in having a successful farm system. But here is the rub:
Having a good farm system is meaningless in the great scheme of things.
The Baltimore Orioles have an excellent farm system, one of the greatest in baseball! It didn’t help them improve considerably at the trade deadline, and it didn’t help them avoid elimination in their first postseason game.
The Chicago Cubs have a great farm system and they didn’t even make the postseason last season.
