The Braves are reigning World Series champions largely thanks to their farm system that developed stars such as Austin Riley, Ozzie Albies, Max Fried, Ronald Acuna and Ian Anderson, among many others. While the Braves wouldn’t have engineered their unforeseen October run without a historically great trade deadline, the core of the roster – one that’s secured four consecutive division titles – was homegrown.
After the Braves began tearing down their roster in 2014, their once-depleted farm system soon became the envy of baseball. Trading veterans for youth, as they did in acquiring players such as Fried and shortstop Dansby Swanson, along with hitting on multiple draft picks, from No. 3 pick Anderson to Riley in the second round, produced the framework of a champion. Baseball America ranked the system No. 1 in 2017 and in 2018.
Years later, it’s no surprise the farm system isn’t what it once was. Those premier prospects have graduated and are enjoying successful major-league careers. Some prospects were traded away for win-now assistance, trimming the depth further. The organization finally is past its limitations in the international market, a penalty for infractions committed by the previous regime, but it’s paying for the missed opportunities.
