Atlanta Braves: Young Position Players Showing Growth

The Atlanta Braves top young position players are starting to show growth and an ability to play at the Major League level. After initial struggles the Braves young core is starting to play well and show promise at the plate.

The Atlanta Braves first disappointment of the season was the fact that Dansby Swanson failed to live up to expectations. Swanson struggled early despite making solid contact consistently. In time the struggles became not only a string of bad luck but poor plate discipline as well.

Since then Swanson was sent down to the minor leagues and has come back with improved timing and a much better look at the plate. In fairness to Swanson his early struggles should not be that surprising considering his limited at bats in the minor leagues.

With his recent performance Swanson has proven that he is a part of the Braves long term plans and is here to stay.

Rio Ruiz and Ozzie Albies are another two names worth mentioning. Both players struggled early in their exposure to the Major Leagues but are starting to look like the players they are expected to be.

While it is a very small sample size for both Ruiz and Albies they are both proving that they are capable of hitting Major League pitching consistently. Albies in particular is electric to watch with blazing speed and a line drive hitting swing.

Albies will be the Opening Day second baseman next season for the Braves and is getting very important experience at the Major League level. Rio Ruiz is an interesting player to watch considering the Braves have several third base prospects and the fact that Ruiz has performed poorly overall this season.

Next: Braves Off-season Targets

The next month may be the most important baseball that Ruiz has played as of yet. Playing at a high level could give him a chance at a starting job next season, if his struggles continue the Braves may look to add a third baseman this off-season.