Power Rankings update
Just as a reminder, this isn't a list of the best prospects, just a list of the prospects performing the best with some consideration given to their age and level they are playing at.
Positional Players
1. Dansby Swanson (combined stats from Car/Miss) .327/.442/.523 15 2B, 0 3B, 2 HR, 20 BB, 16 SO, 9 SB, 1 CS
Can you imagine being a DBacks fan and watching this unfold from the deserts of Phoenix? Egads, Swanson hasn't missed a beat jumping up to AA, and even though he hasn't had a hit in a couple days, his OBP remains strong with his ability to work counts and draw walks. Its also clear he has an idea on the basepaths, 9 SBs while being caught only once is very impressive.
2. Rio Ruiz .300/.379/.436 5 2B, 2 3B, 2 HR, 14 BB, 34 SO, 0 SB
He's cooled off a little bit lately and he hasn't had an extra base hit in a about a week, but these are still strong numbers and he's a 21 year old in AAA. The average age of AAA players is about 26.
3. Dustin Peterson .274/.344/.416 7 2B, 0 3B, 3 HR, 12 BB, 23 SO, 0 SB
One of the more undervalued prospects in the system right now; if the Braves were the stock market, investing in Dustin Peterson is something I'd advise people to do, because he just doesn't have they hype a lot of other guys have. But what he does have is solid across the board production and is doing it as a 21 year-old in AA. He walks enough, the SOs are under control and he leads Mississippi in total bases.
4. Ronald Acuna .306/.390/.398 2 2B, 1 3B, 2 HR, 19 SO, 14 BB, 12 SB, 4 CS
Its starting to come together for Ronald Acuna as he's hitting .348/.464/.435 in May. One of the brightest toys under the tree for the Braves, Acuna is only 18 years old playing at a level that routinely has 20-22 years olds in it. Love seeing the speed translate to stolen bases.
5. Ray-Patrick Didder .310/.405/.440 7 2B, 3 3B, 0 HR, 23 SO, 10 BB, 7 SB, 2 CS
Didder has been very steady at the plate this year keeping his numbers strong and avoiding any real slumps. He's got an idea with the bat and enough speed to be dangerous. He's a tick old for the league, but not so much so that its a huge deal right now. Would love to see him walk a little more so he can use that speed on the bases.
HM
Jonathan Morales - .310/.343/.430 6 2B, 0 3B, 2 HR, 15 SO, 5 BB
Ozzy Albies (with AAA) - .219/.219/.281, 2 2B, 6 SO, 0 BB, 1 SB (you get on this list if you're 19 and playing in AAA, but so far he's scuffled there)
Joey Meneses - .330/.383/.505 8 2B, 3 HR, 16 SO, 9 BB (he's hitting great, but at 24 he's too old for Carolina)
Pitchers
1. Mike Soroka 2.32 ERA, 31 IP, 0 HR, 6 BB, 32 SO, .243 BAA, 1.10 WHIP
Even with a tough last outing, its been a spectacular start for Soroka. a 5/1 SO/BB ratio with ZERO homers allowed. Still just 18 years old......
2. Brandon Barker - 1.59 ERA, 34 IP, 8 BB, 29 SO, .217 BAA, 1.00 WHIP
Like Peterson, Barker is also probably a little undervalued in the Braves system, he's 23 but that's OK at AA. Strong BB/SO ratios.
3. Lucas Sims (across both levels) 3.52 ERA, 30.2 IP, 16 BB, 46 SO, .204 BAA, 1.27 WHIP
Got roughed up in his last start, but he's also 21 pitching against guys generally much older than he is. The SO rates are absurd.
4. John Gant 2.96 ERA, 24.1 IP, 10 BB, 27 SO, .207 BAA, 1.15 WHIP
I think this guy is a starting pitcher in the majors and I hope they stop jerking him around between roles. The stuff is pretty good and he has an idea where its going. He's struck out 413 in 427 minor league innings.
5. Max Povse 2.97 ERA, 30.1 IP, 8 BB, 26 SO, .187 BAA, .092 WHIP
Povse struggled some in Carolina in 2015, but is doing great work there this season. He's coming off his worst start of the year, so it'll be interesting to see how he responds.
HM
Tyrell Jenkins - 2.76 ERA, 32.2 IP, 15 BB, 23 SO, 1.47 WHIP
Like his arm, like that he's 23 and in AAA, but that WHIP..... uugh.
Casey Kelly - 1.65 ERA, 27.1 IP, 14 BB, 18 SO, 1.06 WHIP
Not giving up many hits, but he's walking too many and not striking a ton out.
Chris Ellis - 2.06 ERA, 35 IP, 14 BB, 27 SO, 1.06
Pitching really well at AA, hasn't given up more than 3 ERs in any start, walks are a little high right now.
Sean Newcombe - 3.16 ERA, 31.1 IP, 0 HR, 18 BB, 32 SO
Basically living up to his scouting reports, lots of Ks and lots of BBs. Overall he's done fine, love that he's kept the ball in the park. Coming off an 8 SO 1 BB outing.
Evan Phillips - .75 ERA, 12 IP, 6 BB, 9 SO, .073 BAA, .075 WHIP
A 17th rounder from last years draft, Phillips has built on a strong 2015 campaign coming out of the bullpen. Obviously the BB/SO needs to improve but batter seem to have a hard time squaring him up. Struck out 37 in 29 innings last year with 12 BBs. Someone to keep an eye on.
Patrick Wiegel - 3.18 ERA, 34 IP, 15 BB, 34 SO, 1.21 WHIP
Consistent all year allowing 2 ERs or less in 5 of his 6 starts.