I was surprised Baldwin wasn't sent there, but they opted to give Tolve some ABs instead. Milligan is the other guy I thought would be there even though he's not one of our Top 30. Alvarez might have made sense, but looking at the rosters, I didn't see any high school guys from the 2022 draft included. I don't know if there's a rule that says a prospect can only play one year in the league. If so, that would eliminate Waddell, Conley, and Franklin V. Plus, I never saw an instructional league roster and I think that's where a lot of the younger prospects spend their October and November.
I don't know how the Braves are approaching the 2023 college pitchers they drafted, but outside of Waldrep, I wouldn't have been surprised to see Hackenburg or Kuehler there, but I imagine the Braves are trying to limit innings. I think there are a couple of college 2023 draftees playing in the league, but it's rare. I obviously know nothing about the Braves' mindset as to who goes and who doesn't, but I think Tyler Owens and Jared Johnson would have made more sense than McSteen and Halligan.
Like you said, it was a meh year in the system. There are a few guys who look like they may make it all the way up, but the system is just so thin right now.