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Braxton Davidson: Atlanta Braves’ Future Power Bat?

By Matthew Schoettler

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In 2014, the Atlanta Braves selected Braxton Davidson in the first round of the MLB Amateur Draft. Could he turn into an impact power bat for the Braves?

Braxton Davidson shined in the 2013 USA Baseball Tournament of Stars, smashing three home runs during the tournament. The strong showing in the tournament put Davidson on the map for teams across the MLB. Impressed by his high school and tournament performances, the Atlanta Braves decided to select Davidson with the 32nd pick in the first round. In high school, Davidson played first base the majority of the time; however, after the Braves selected him, they deemed his future to be in the outfield.

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Most likely, the Braves decided to move Braxton Davidson to the outfield, because the team has no intentions on trading Freddie Freeman (who is signed through 2021). By moving Davidson to the outfield, this allows his path to the MLB to be expedited. The Braves signed Davidson in June of 2014, and after the team signed Davidson, they assigned him to the GCL Braves. With the GCL Braves, Davidson posted a lackluster batting average, sitting at .243; however, he registered a superb OBP of .400.

Braxton Davidson earned a promotion to the Danville Braves near the end of the 2014 season. Through 13 games with the team, Davidson possessed a slash-line of .167/.348/.222, but he continued to demonstrate his advanced eye for the strike zone. Davidson finished his first professional season with a .224/.387/.299 slash-line, split between two leagues. Although Davidson’s slash-line was pretty mediocre, his walk-rate (BB/9) of 16.7 percent remains elite; however, Davidson struck out 22.6 percent of the time, a part of his game that requires work.

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Following Davidson’s mediocre debut season, his power came alive after his promotion to Single-A Rome, smashing 10 home runs (despite not hitting one in 2014). In 2015, Davidson improved across the board, improving his batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging (.242/.381/.374). Also, Braxton Davidson increased his walk-rate from 16.7 in 2014 to 17.0 in 2015. Despite the promotion to Rome, Davidson continued to show his keen eye for the strike zone, an impressive trait for a 19 year old. Davidson’s 122 wRC+ is a nice sign that he contributes to the team regardless of his high strikeout totals.

The Atlanta Braves do not expect Braxton Davidson to be ready until the 2018 season; thus, it looks like Nick Markakis will bridge the gap to Davidson. The Braves signed Markakis through the 2018 season, so look for Davidson to be in the MLB in the final season of Markakis’ contract. Davidson likely starts the 2016 season at Single-A Rome or High-A Carolina. Davidson finished the 2015 season as the 9th-best prospect, so hopefully he continues to develop as he gains more professional experience.

The Atlanta Braves lack raw power, and Braxton Davidson received a 60 power grade (on a scale from 20-80). From 2016-2018, the Braves may find a viable power source via free agency or trade, but just know, Davidson provides the most raw power out of any prospect in the farm system. If you do not know about Braxton Davidson, it is time you start researching the future impact bat. If all goes well, the Braves are a contender by the time Davidson reaches the majors. Now it is time to sit back and watch him develop.

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