Spring training is just three weeks away, and though there will be acquisitions before (and possibly after) pitchers and catchers report, this series will take a look at the players mostly likely to suit up at each level of the organization. Look for new installments every Monday and Friday until all players officially report on February 17.
Shortstop, like second base, has been a weak area of the organization ever since MLB sanctioned the Braves. The team has leaned heavily on the draft to keep pace, and last year utilized first, second, and eleveth round picks to get a potential impact players.
ATLANTA BRAVES
STARTER: Dansby Swanson
Going into what will be his fourth Opening Day and age 26 season with Atlanta, the team and fans now have a good grasp on what to expect from Swanson. Defensively Swanson is above average at the position, and is a good fit for the groundball-heavy starting rotation. Offensively, Swanson has strong hot streaks where his quick wrists allow him to pepper the outfield wall with line-drives which regularly turn into extra bases thanks to his plus baserunning. Swanson also has a flair for the dramatic, and he carries a .321/.377/.477 batting line in late and close situations. Unfortunately, those hot streaks tend not to last, usually due to a lingering injury of some sort. In 2019 the major problem was a deep foot contusion that wrecked what had been a hot mid-summer for the former first-rounder. When he returned, he only hit .194/.307/.245 down the stretch. Putting together a full and healthy campaign will be key for Swanson this year to show that he still has another gear in his career.
Back-up: When Swanson went down with his foot injury, the Braves turned to veteran infielders Johan Camargo and Charlie Culberson to cover shortstop. Both were considered above average shortstops as recently as 2017, but it was clear that both had taken a step backwards defensively, and the Braves were forced to bring in slick-fielding Adeiny Hechavarria to take over until Swanson’s return as there was no defensive shortstops in the minor leagues that could have credibly carried the position. This season the Braves will start the season with Hechavarria, who agreed to a $1 million one-year deal to return to the team.
GWINNETT STRIPERS (CLASS AAA)
STARTER: Pete Kozma
Perhaps most known to Braves fans as the Cardinals shortstop on the infamous “Outfield Fly Rule” play in the 2012 Wild Card playoff game against the Braves, Kozma has bounced between the majors and AAA and through three different organizations since working 2013 as St. Louis’s primary shortstop. An inability to produce at the plate has kept Kozma as a “quad-A” player the last six seasons, and he only holds a .215/.278/.291 batting line in 813 major league plate appearances. His glove however will continue to keep him employed, and at least for the start of 2020, Kozma seems likely to take his talents to the Stripers. If Swanson once again has to miss time with an injury, Kozma at least represents a veteran who can more than capably handle the defensive demands of the position if called upon.
Back-up: Jack Lopez will likely back-up all three infield skill positions, and likely starting second baseman Riley Unroe can also slide over to short as needed. Veteran Sean Kazmar can also play shortstop, though going into his age-35 season he is best suited to the right side of the diamond. Minor league Rule 5 draftee Wendell Rijo is another option here if he doesn’t start the season in Mississippi, and recently-signed Yangervis Solarte is another option, though his defensive ability has taken a hit as he has entered his 30s.
MISSISSIPPI BRAVES (CLASS AA)
STARTER: Braden Shewmake
A first-round pick and the Braves second overall selection in the 2019 draft, Shewmake impressed in his first exposure to professional ball. After hitting an impressive .323/.381/.487 in three years at Texas A&M, Shewmake was able to transfer his skills immediately over to wooden bats, and hit .318/.389/.473 with single-A Rome. In mid-August Shewmake got the double-promotion all the way to AA Mississippi, becoming the first Braves position player to get to AA in his first pro season. Perhaps not surprisingly, his first exposure to AA baseball was too much of a challenge, and he only hit .217/.288/.217 in 14 games at the level. Beyond his offense, Shewmake’s defense at shortstop was perhaps better than advertised, and he showed good hands and a strong arm as well as a knack for hunting for outs. Shewmake represents the most likely homegrown option for shortstop in Atlanta should the Braves eventually elect to move on from Dansby Swanson.
Back-up: Wendell Rijo would slot easily as the back-up shortstop if his talents aren’t required in Gwinnett, as would Alejandro Salazar. Projected second baseman Riley Delgado also has extensive shortstop experience, and he could slide over if necessary.
FLORIDA FIRE FROGS (CLASS A+)
STARTER: AJ Graffanino
After a successful pro debut in 2018 that saw the former University of Washington stand-out hit .318/.344/.382 between Danville and Rome, Graffanino was assigned to high-A Florida for Opening Day 2019. After only one plate appearances however, he had to leave the game for an injury. While coming back from the injury, Graffanino contracted a severe gastrointestinal illness that essentially ended his season. Graffanino was about to start a rehab assignment with the GCL Braves but wasn’t able to get into games due to fears of the oncomming Hurricane Dorian. When healthy, Graffanino can count himself as one of best, if not the best, middle infield defenders in the Braves organizaion.
Back-up: The most likely back-up here would be Juan Morales, a slick-fielding infielder who played in 6 games with Florida in 2019. Utilitymen Brett Langhorne or Jordan Rodgers could also fill in as needed.
ROME BRAVES (CLASS A)
STARTER: Beau Philip
The Braves’ second-round pick in 2019, Philip got off to a slow start with Danville at the plate coming off an injury-plagued junior season with Oregon State. Nevertheless, he should be a solid all-round player, showing good bat speed, foot speed, defensive chops.
Back-up: Carlos Paraguate seems like a likely return candidate for Rome. The 2019 Opening Day starter, Paraguate was out of his depth early on after a promotion directly from the DSL, but the Braves have few options. A defensive stand-out, the 19-year-old Paraguate could instead start in extended spring training, opening up an opportunity for Garrett Saunders or Ariel Montesino to be the primary back-up.
ROOKIE LEAGUES
Vaughn Grissom
Grissom has an intriguing mix of tools, athleticism, and early pro success, enough so that he came in at #20 on the OFR Prospects List this offseason. He’s raw enough that a Rome Opening Day assignment probably isn’t in the cards, though it would have been more likely in the previous front office regime. Instead, look for him with Danville come June, and perhaps getting at taste of Rome late in the season. After that however, all bets will be off.
Francisco Floyd
The Braves continue to be limited in the international amateur market due to MLB sanctions, but in the last signing period they were able to sign Floyd to a $200,000 signing bonus. According to Baseball America’s Ben Badler, “Floyd’s glove is more advanced than his bat” and that proved out in the DSL last season as he hit only .223/.310/.259, but received good overall marks for his glovework. Floyd doesn’t turn 18 until May, and I would expect him in the GCL this season.
Shortstop Depth Chart
- Dansby Swanson
- Adeiny Hechavarria
- Johan Camargo
- Charlie Culberson
- Pete Kozma
- Jack Lopez
- Sean Kazmar
- Riley Unroe
- Braden Shewmake
- Wendell Rijo
- Alejandro Salazar
- Riley Delgado
- AJ Graffanino
- Juan Morales
- Brett Langhorne
- Jordan Rodgers
- Beau Philip
- Carlos Paraguate
- Garrett Saunders
- Ariel Montesino
- Vaughn Grissom
- Francisco Floyd
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