Backfields Preview: Third Base
Backfields Preview is a positional breakdown of the Atlanta Braves system entering the 2020 season. Previous installments are catchers, first base and second base.
The graduation of Austin Riley from the Braves system leaves a hole for the third base position. Riley was a constant presence atop the system’s positional depth chart and, while it hasn’t always been an easy path, he’s now knocking on the door to an everyday role with some adjustments at the major league level.
That’s great news for the organization as a whole, but it leaves a little to be desired when it comes to third base prospects. C.J. Alexander was on his way to taking over the top spot on the minor league third base depth chart until an injury-plagued 2019 season set him back. A bounce-back year would get him back on track toward a potential big league role, though. The Braves took a big step toward supplementing the system at the hot corner by drafting Vaughn Grissom in the 11th round this past June. Grissom is one of the biggest sleepers in the system and has the makings of an impact prospect with time.
And that’s pretty much it. You can include a potential utility guy like Braden Shewmake, but he wouldn’t play the position on a regular basis unless out of necessity like Johan Camargo. Because of an extreme lack of prospect depth at the position, that leaves Alexander and Grissom to develop if the Braves are to look inside the organization for another third baseman down the road, whether in an everyday or bench role. Luckily for the team, Riley has the makings of being the everyday player that he has worked so hard to become.
Graded:
Vaughn Grissom - 40
Grissom will get a more detailed blurb in the shortstop post. He gets a mention here because third base could be his likely destination as he grows. Grissom had the sixth-highest signing bonus of the 11th round last June as the Braves plucked him away from a Florida International commitment. He’s presently strong but still wiry and will grow into a solid frame with length and athleticism. There’s real corner slugger potential to go with good defense and enough arm. The overall grade is currently 40 but could fluctuate quite a bit with more looks and pro reps. His spring will help determine his initial 2020 assignment between staying in extended or making the jump to Low-A Rome.
C.J. Alexander - 40
Alexander is an actual third baseman all the way, although he got a nod in the first base post to show that he can be a versatile corner guy. From the first base post:
His defense has developed enough at third to think he could mostly play there in the upper levels, but it only helps his value to have experience at first. The 23-year-old had a lost season in 2019 because of tough-luck injuries. Otherwise, he could be knocking on the door as a corner platoon or bench type. This is still a possibility for him, but the lost year means he needs to catch up and have a productive 2020 to the point that he reaches Triple-A Gwinnett. He’s a fringe hitter with above-average raw power, decent speed and glove, and a plus arm. The future here remains a possible corner platoon or bench bat, or upper-level depth if the bat doesn’t fully bounce back. He likely returns to Double-A Mississippi.
System Depth:
- Darling Florentino – Still only 18 but needs to find pro success this year. He was oddly rushed to Low-A last season and ended up with a lost development year. Toolsy corner athlete with quick actions and loud contact from a lifted stroke, but the approach is ultra-aggressive and will determine his fate. He needs to stay in extended this time.
40-Man: None
Non-Roster Invitees: None
2020 ETA: None
A bounce-back season from Alexander could get him a step away from a 2021 debut.
Top Tool: 55 raw from Grissom, Alexander and Florentino
All three have similar power. Grissom’s is wiry strength that could develop beyond 55 raw. Alexander’s is brute strength from a big frame. Florentino’s is explosiveness from a strong, compact build.
Breakout Candidate: Grissom
Grissom is a definite sleeper in the Braves system. He already shows a feel to hit for his age and will only grow into more power as he matures. He could start getting attention in rankings with a solid full season.
2019 Top Transaction: Drafted and signed Grissom
2019 Top Performance: Grissom’s pro debut went very well in the GCL, slashing .288/.361/.400 with 11 extra-base hits, 16 walks and three stolen bases in 44 games.