The Braves have added some fresh blood going into camp, and there’s a few names on here that really catch my eye:
First is Forrest Wall. I’ve talked about him before, and he would make for some solid depth in Gwinnett. Once a top prospect for the Rockies, Wall never cut it in the big leagues. Surprisingly, he’s never even gotten the call. Wall can play all over the diamond, and he put up a respectable .687 OPS in AAA last year. I don’t think he’s a major impact player, but I liked him a lot when he was a prospect and he could end up being a valuable piece in a pinch.
I’m happy to have Adeiny Hechavarria back, I doubt he makes the roster, but he’s a fun guy to pull for and was well-liked in Atlanta’s clubhouse when he was here in 2020.
Outside of Kevin Pillar, who we have already discussed, the other big name here is Magnerius Sierra. Once a big-time prospect for the Cardinals, Sierra was part of the deal that brought current Marcell Ozuna to St. Louis and sent 2022 NL Cy Young Winner Sandy Alcantara to the Marlins. That’s not his only connection to the Braves. His first big league hit was a single off R.A. Dickey when he was in Atlanta. He brings a left-handed bat, good speed, and a solid arm to the outfield — likely in Gwinnett.
We’ll see which one of these guys cut it and end up making a roster.
More must-reads: