FORT MYERS, Fla. — Spencer Strider, Michael Harris II and AJ Smith-Shawver every not too long ago skilled a meteoric rise to Atlanta. In order most of the Braves prospects participated in Spring Breakout on Saturday at JetBlue Park, there was motive to marvel which of those future stars is perhaps the subsequent to succeed in the Majors.
Listed here are some prime takeaways from the sport.
Hometown speedDrake confirmed his unimaginable pace as he stole a base within the second inning and tripled within the fourth inning. Sadly, the outfielder’s day prematurely ended within the backside of the fourth, when his proper calf cramped after he tried to make a diving catch in foul territory. He limped towards the dugout with out help after being evaluated by the medical workers, however he was all smiles and feeling nice after the sport.
“It was an amazing expertise going out and taking part in towards the highest prospects from the Crimson Sox,” Drake stated. “We had been out right here taking part in in entrance of so many followers and simply having enjoyable taking part in baseball.”
Followers are going to have a whole lot of enjoyable watching Drake when he’s at prime pace. He graduated from North Atlanta Excessive Faculty in Could and was chosen by the hometown Braves within the fifth spherical of the 2023 MLB Draft lower than two months later. His brother, Kenyan Drake, was a star operating again on the College of Alabama earlier than taking part in within the NFL.
Drake simply stole second base towards Kyle Teel, who ranks as baseball’s No. 40 prospect and the No. 5 catching prospect. It appeared he then efficiently stole third base earlier than it was dominated the home-plate umpire interfered with Teel’s throw, leading to a lifeless ball ruling. His subsequent try to steal third resulted in him getting caught too distant from second base. Crimson Sox heart fielder Ceddanne Rafaela ranged into left-center to catch Sabin Ceballos’ flyout after which made an correct off-balance throw to second to finish a double play.
Inside this sequence of occasions we noticed each Drake’s pace and youth. The speedster gained’t flip 19 till July. He ranks because the Braves’ No. 22 prospect per MLB Pipeline.
Braves supervisor Brian Snitker was reminded of how younger Drake is after the younger outfielder was invited to take part within the intrasquad video games Atlanta performed earlier than final yr’s postseason started. As Snitker left the stadium that night time, he noticed Drake ready simply outdoors the stadium gates.
When requested if he was OK, Drake informed Snitker he was simply ready on his mom to choose him up.
“I simply obtained my license in December,” Drake stated.
Greater than a batWhen the Braves took Baldwin within the third spherical of the 2022 MLB Draft, there have been questions on his protection. However he has rapidly proven he’s far more than only a bat-first catcher. He impressed Atlanta catching coach Sal Fasano with the athleticism he confirmed throughout huge league camp this yr.
Together with enhancing his mobility behind the plate, Baldwin has additionally proven improved arm energy. He definitely drew some consideration within the second inning Saturday when his robust throw simply denied Nick Yorke’s try to steal second base. Yorke was profitable with 18 of 23 stolen-base makes an attempt on the Double-A stage final yr.
“It was fairly cool with this recreation being on TV,” Baldwin stated. “That was the most important focus this offseason, to enhance arm energy. So to have the ability to present it off and get an additional out for [Murphy] actually helped.”
Baldwin ranks because the Braves’ No. 11 prospect. He produced .845 OPS over 476 plate appearances at three ranges final yr. He ended the season by taking part in three video games for Triple-A Gwinnett. He spent a lot of the yr with Excessive-A Rome.
Good startMurphy obtained the beginning for the Braves and it regarded like he was rolling in the suitable course when he retired a few of the recreation’s prime prospects throughout a scoreless first inning. Boston’s lineup started with three of baseball’s prime 40 general prospects. Roman Anthony (No. 24) flew out and Marcelo Mayer (No. 15) grounded out earlier than Teel (No. 40) singled.
Murphy, who’s the Braves’ No. 5 prospect, recorded one strikeout whereas being charged with 5 runs over three innings. He was pulled in the course of the third inning, simply earlier than Rafaela greeted Patrick Halligan with a three-run homer. The re-entry rule allowed Murphy to return and report two outs within the fourth.
Murphy’s fastball constantly touched 94 mph, which is an enchancment from final yr. The 20-year-old was taken within the first spherical of the 2022 MLB Draft, and he’s prepping for his second full skilled season.
“It was so enjoyable,” Murphy stated. “To be on the market in entrance of followers who’re excited concerning the prospects on this recreation, it’s in contrast to another. It was nice.”
