It is definitely possible that he could reach the majors at some point this year. But I think unless it is something devastating they will keep him in the minors until the September call ups. He is still very young, actually a few years younger than Swanson if i'm not mistaken
Same could be said of MallesHe's far and away the youngest player in AA, he would have been one of the younger in A+ as well.
What would be the reason for promoting him early to Atlanta? We aren't competing this year regardless...... why risk bringing him up too early AND starting his clock?
Same could be said of Malles
Mallex is older and has played a full season at AA already.... my point isn't just about the service clock, its also about making sure the kid has had enough bats to work through slumps/advanced pitchers before getting to the majors. Mallex had that, Albies should get that this year.
Same could be said of Malles
on top of what others above me said, Albies is a guy you're probably looking to hold onto for the long haul, whereas with Mallex I think you just enjoy him while he's cheap. but who knows, maybe Mallex will develop into more.
I'm fine if we call him up at the end of the year. I still think 2017 can be a decent year, and I'm ok with getting Albies and Swanson a look before we hit next year.
I'm also ok holding him back as well. But my guess is that the FO wants to open the new park with a bang, and having Swanson and Albies out there would do that.
FWIW...
Freeman - 167 ABs at AA or above before he was promoted (almost 21 years old to the day)
Heyward - 50 ABs at AA or above before he was promoted (20 years, 8 months old - 7 of those months spanned the 2009 offseason)
Furcal - 3 ABs at AA or above before he was promoted (22 years, 6 months old - 6 of those months spanned the 1999 offseason)
Andruw - 50 ABs at AA or above before he was promoted (19 years, 4 months old)
I think 2017 could be a very decent year. I personally think we'll see Swanson to begin the year and Albies has a great shot to be there (It's fast, but I'm serious). Add those guys, Mallex, Blair and some guys for the BP and we're set. I'm still not thinking outside the realm of adding a really solid bat or SP. Just me though.