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For years, the Atlanta Braves have been the model of player development in Major League Baseball. From Ronald Acuña Jr. to Ozzie Albies, Austin Riley, Michael Harris II, and Spencer Strider, the organization has churned out star after star, building one of the league's most formidable rosters. But success comes at a cost.
As the Braves enter the 2025 season, their farm system is ranked near the bottom of the league—28th, according to Keith Law of The Athletic. It’s a stark contrast to where they stood a decade ago, when they boasted one of the deepest pipelines in baseball. But does this ranking truly reflect the state of the organization, or is it merely the byproduct of a franchise that has mastered player development?
The Price of Contention
The Braves’ farm system struggles can be traced back to multiple factors, but at its core, it’s the price of maintaining a championship-caliber team.
“Atlanta’s farm is down from years of contention, with Alex Anthopoulos trading a lot of prospects away to build and maintain a playoff roster,” Law writes. “And some drafts haven’t worked out, including the 2022 class that started with three high school pitchers, all of whom have had Tommy John since signing.”
Anthopoulos has never been shy about using prospects as trade assets. In recent years, the Braves have moved several young talents, including Joey Estes (Sean Murphy trade), Kyle Muller (Sean Murphy trade), and Justyn-Henry Malloy (Joe Jiménez trade), in an effort to reinforce their big-league roster. The result? A perennial contender that had won six straight NL East titles and a World Series championship in 2021.
But the aggressive approach has left the farm system thin, particularly in the upper levels.
The Lingering Effects of the International Ban
The Braves' farm system also hasn’t fully recovered from the international free agency scandal that rocked the organization in 2017. The fallout led to the departure of former general manager John Coppolella and resulted in MLB banning the team from signing international players for two years while also voiding contracts for 13 prospects.
That penalty has had long-lasting effects. While teams like the Dodgers, Yankees, and Padres have continued to bolster their systems with international signings, the Braves have been playing catch-up.
“They’re also still slowly recovering from the years they spent banned from participating in international free agency for rules violations in the mid-2010s,” Law notes. “Although now you can see some more prospects from Latin America popping up on their top 20 list.”
The signs of recovery are there, but Atlanta remains a step behind some of the more aggressive international spenders.
A Farm System in Transition
Despite the bleak rankings, the Braves' pipeline isn’t completely barren. The system may not be overflowing with top-tier prospects, but it still has some intriguing talent.
AJ Smith-Shawver, the 21-year-old right-hander, has already seen major league action and has the upside of a mid-rotation starter. Hurston Waldrep, the club’s first-round pick in 2023, has electric stuff and could move quickly through the system. There’s also Ignacio Alvarez, a third baseman with strong plate discipline and emerging power.
Additionally, the Braves have a track record of developing under-the-radar talent. Michael Harris II was never considered an elite prospect, yet he won NL Rookie of the Year in 2022. Spencer Strider was a fourth-round pick in 2020, and by 2022, he was one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball.
Winning is the Ultimate Development
For all the handwringing over the state of the Braves’ farm system, it’s worth remembering one thing: nobody has developed more talent over the last decade than Atlanta.
The goal of a farm system isn’t to top prospect rankings—it’s to produce big-league talent. The Braves have done that better than just about anyone, and their ability to turn homegrown players into stars has been the backbone of their sustained success.
Sure, the farm system is thin. But with a core in place and a front office that knows how to find and develop talent, the Braves are still in prime position to remain a contender for years to come.
In the end, a low-ranked farm system is a small price to pay for a roster that’s built to win now.
More must-reads:
- Why the Yankees should make a deal for Luis Robert Jr.
- Reports reveal what Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. could want in free agency
- The 'Most strikeouts for an MLB rookie pitcher since 1995' quiz
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New York Yankees May Take Unorthodox Approach With Third Base Conundrum
Coming into spring training, the New York Yankees were thought to have one of the most talented rosters in baseball and were viewed as legitimate World Series contenders. Just a few weeks later, their outlook had changed greatly, but not for the better, with the injury bug hitting them hard. They have already lost ace pitcher Gerrit Cole for the season since he is undergoing Tommy John surgery. Designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton could be facing the same fate of missing the 2025 campaign because of injuries to both elbows. Reigning American League Rookie of the Year Luis Gil was shut down for at least six weeks because of a lat strain. Fellow pitchers JT Brubaker, Jake Cousins and Scott Effross were all injured during spring training as well. That is a lot of talent that will need to be replaced on the regular season roster, but the biggest positional battle that remains unsettled with a few weeks remaining in spring training, in the opinion of Bryan Hoch of MLB.com, is third base. It was expected to be the job of DJ LeMahieu, but he lasted only two at-bats in Grapefruit League games before suffering a calf injury. It is bad enough that he is going to begin the year on the injured list, creating yet another void in the projected Opening Day lineup. Right now, Oswaldo Cabrera is the favorite to take over at the hot corner, but he is being pushed by Oswald Peraza, a former top prospect as a shortstop looking to regain the form that had him viewed so highly. Jorbit Vivas and Pablo Reyes have been mentioned as other options who could receive playing time at third base, too, with an unorthodox approach potentially being used. “GM Brian Cashman suggested the club might use a third base rotation if one player doesn’t grab the job,” Hoch wrote. This is far from an ideal situation for a team that had World Series aspirations. It was shocking to see the Yankees being okay with what they had despite spending money and assets on other areas of the roster throughout the winter. An outside addition should be strongly considered, especially given the hole at designated hitter that could be created with the loss of Stanton. A trade for St. Louis Cardinals veteran Nolan Arenado would make a lot of sense and stabilize the position. It would also enable Cabrera to return to the utility role that he is best suited for, capable of playing all around the diamond. But, New York reportedly doesn’t have any money left to spend on the roster, which complicates matters even more.
Insider accuses Russell Wilson of 'poisoning the well' regarding Seahawks, DK Metcalf
Current Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson and wide receiver DK Metcalf were teammates with the Seattle Seahawks from 2019 up until Seattle traded Wilson to the Denver Broncos in March 2022. After the Steelers agreed to a trade to acquire Metcalf from the Seahawks, Seattle sports insider and KJR Radio host Ian Furness suggested during an appearance on the latest edition of the "Breakfast With Benz" podcast that Wilson was directly responsible for Metcalf wanting to leave the Seahawks this offseason. "I think Russ is the reason (Metcalf) wanted out," Furness said, as shared by Tim Benz of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. "I think Russ whispered in his ears. Russ has been a cancer for the Seahawk organization. Russ keeps in contact with (Metcalf) and (former Seattle receiver Tyler Lockett). I know — from what I understand inside the building — they’re pretty confident that Russ is the guy who was whispering in DK’s ears. Kind of poisoning the well, so to speak." Stories about Wilson being a "cancer" in the Seattle locker room arose before he reportedly tried to get former Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll and Seattle general manager John Schneider fired in February 2022. The Seahawks later pushed Carroll into an advisor role after the 2023 season, and he and Wilson "mended fences" before Carroll became head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders earlier this offseason. Interestingly, there's no guarantee Wilson will throw passes to Metcalf later this year even though Pittsburgh's Justin Fields is set to join the New York Jets. The Steelers may prefer to sign Aaron Rodgers rather than run it back with Wilson for another year, but stories have also linked Rodgers with the New York Giants. Nevertheless, Furness indicated that people within the Seahawks blame Wilson for the fact that Metcalf is expected to sign a five-year, $150M contract extension once he officially joins the Steelers after the new league year opens on Wednesday. "He’s a clubhouse politician," Furness added about Wilson. "He wasn’t trying to get (Metcalf) in Pittsburgh, thinking he was going to be in Pittsburgh. He’s like, 'Yeah, man, you should, you should get (paid).'" It certainly sounds as if Wilson isn't the most popular guy inside the Seahawks team facility these days. As Benz noted, Wilson could eventually sign a deal with the Tennessee Titans if the Steelers agree to a contract with Rodgers.
Steelers' Mike Tomlin is not responsible for losing Justin Fields: 'Was never the number one guy'
Every Pittsburgh Steelers member who has spoken to the media said the team hopes to bring back either Justin Fields or Russell Wilson. Most insiders felt the Steelers preferred to roll with the younger and more athletic Fields. However, as the legal tampering period drew closer and no deal was announced, it became apparent that Fields wanted to test free agency. Test it, he did; Fields agreed to a deal with the New York Jets for two years and $40 million, with $30 million guaranteed. While the franchise may have felt Fields would offer a hometown discount or want to stay and play with well-loved and respected head coach Mike Tomlin, that didn't happen. He was brought to Pittsburgh to back up Wilson and got the chance he'd hoped for when the former Super Bowl winner suffered a calf injury. He started six games for the Steelers and went 4-2. While the fans were mostly pleased with his performance, Wilson was given his job back once he was healthy. The fact that Fields was "benched" after a solid start makes many feel like he didn't want to return. Former Steelers cornerback Bryant McFadden was asked about this on "The PM Team w/Poni and Mueller" on 93.7 The Fan. Show co-host Andrew Fillipponi told McFadden he couldn't shake the feeling Fields didn't want to return because he was benched. He asked McFadden how much blame for losing Fields can be placed on Tomlin. "I think it was more about the deal the Jets gave him than being benched," McFadden said. "Because we gotta remember, Justin Fields was never the number one guy, it was always Russell Wilson's job to lose. But because of the injury, he filled in as a what, backup. He filled in as a backup so it never was a quarterback controversy, it never was a quarterback legit competition. It was Russell's job to lose. So I think Justin understood that, and he played well, but it wasn't like he was playing high-level football where you didn't really think about what Russell can do in the offense. So I think it's more about the deal that he received from the Jets. You're talking about $40 million for a guy who only started six games a year ago, 4-2 in those six games, and he gets $30 million guaranteed." McFadden said he hoped the Steelers would keep Fields. He feels he adds a dimension to the offense that the other quarterbacks in contention may not, simply because he is younger and more mobile. McFadden said that with an offensive line that is still trying to find its footing, it is helpful to have a quarterback who can pick up those extra yards or escape when necessary. He added that thought the Steelers should have locked Fields up before the "wolves could get in the yard." He said that perhaps they were willing to pay more than Pittsburgh, and Fields had to take what he could get with such an iffy career. The Steelers Are Slowly Moving Into The Modern Era While many fans are unhappy about losing Fields to the Jets, they are happy the Steelers made a big move for wide receiver DK Metcalf. The Steelers don't usually go all-in on big-name players like this offensively, and signing him for five years and $150 million is not something most fans expect. Of course, there are concerns that the coaching staff could have their hands full as both Metcalf and George Pickens have unique personalities. This does represent a step in the right direction for a Steelers offense many think has been trapped in the days of old. The Steelers have always favored a run-heavy offense, but the move for Metcalf will allow them to create an offense that presents a defensive challenge.
Can Cooper Kupp solve AFC team's longtime WR problem?
The Los Angeles Rams are preparing to move on from Cooper Kupp, and one team might be particularly desperate to sign the veteran wide receiver if he becomes a free agent. The Rams have been trying to find a trade suitor for Kupp. They are reportedly planning to release him on Wednesday if no deal materializes. Kupp would likely draw plenty of interest on the free-agent market, and it would be a surprise if some of it did not come from the New England Patriots. No team in the NFL is in worse need of wide receiver help than the Patriots. They have not had a truly elite option in the passing game since Julian Edelman was last with the team in 2020. Drake Maye showed plenty of promise as a rookie last season, but the former No. 3 overall pick needs playmakers to throw to. A healthy Kupp could certainly play that role in New England. Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald reported on Tuesday that the 31-year-old is at least open to the idea of joining the Patriots. "According to a league source, Kupp is curious about the prospect of playing in New England and has shared that curiosity with some close to him," Callahan wrote. "Kupp has personal and professional connections to Patriots, starting with ex-college teammate and fellow wideout Kendrick Bourne, who has repeatedly advocated for Kupp to come to New England on social media. The two remain friendly, sources say." Callahan also noted that Patriots tight ends coach Thomas Brown was a former assistant head coach under Sean McVay in Los Angeles from 2020-22, so Kupp has a connection to Mike Vrabel's staff. Kendrick Bourne is currently viewed as the top wide receiver on New England's roster. He had just 28 catches for 305 yards and a touchdown in 12 games last season. The Pats are hoping at least one of 2024 second-round pick Ja'Lynn Polk or 2024 fourth-round pick Javon Baker makes a huge second-year leap, but there is no guarantee of that happening. Kupp has battled a number of injuries, but he still had 67 catches for 710 yards and six touchdowns in 12 games last season. He would immediately be the best receiver on the roster if he signed with the Patriots, and fans would be ecstatic to have him.
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