A notable hitter within the Braves’ farm system, Waddell may find himself on the verge of entering the major leagues this year. The Braves selected Waddell as the second position player in the 2021 MLB Draft, making him a middle infielder with promising performance metrics. Since his draft, Waddell has consistently delivered solid numbers, positioning himself as a potential bench asset for the major league team in the upcoming season.
Acquisition Background: The Braves drafted Waddell from Georgia Tech University in the fifth round of the 2021 MLB Draft, offering him a $333,300 bonus to join the organization. In his final season with the Yellow Jackets, Waddell showcased an impressive slash line of .309/.402/.474, along with eight home runs.
Preseason Assessment: Since his selection in 2021, Waddell has maintained consistent and commendable performance across various minor league levels. Starting his professional career in Rome, he later progressed to Double-A Mississippi and participated in the Arizona Fall League, where he achieved a .788 OPS. Despite facing multiple injuries in 2022, Waddell spent the entire season in Mississippi, posting a 99 wRC+.
Entering the 2023 season, Waddell was expected to repeat Double-A due to his limited games there in the previous season. Placed at number 25 on the preseason top prospects list, he faced competition from recent draftees and international players but regained his spot following the Victor Vodnik trade.
Performance in 2023: Waddell’s 2023 season kicked off in Mississippi, showcasing one of his best and first full professional seasons. With a 120 wRC+, eight home runs, and 64 RBIs in 101 games, he demonstrated significant offensive prowess. However, after a promotion to Triple-A, his performance declined in 29 games, marked by a 68 wRC+. Despite a decreased strikeout rate and increased walk rate, his power output plummeted (.058 ISO), contributing to the offensive downturn.
Outlook for 2024: Entering the 2024 season, Waddell is poised to begin with Gwinnett, near Atlanta’s major league roster. While not a power hitter, Waddell possesses an above-average hit tool, decent running ability, solid fielding skills, and versatility in playing multiple positions, making him a valuable super-utility player. Although the Braves’ bench currently features potential contenders for bench spots, a strong Spring Training and team dynamics could elevate Waddell to a bench role. Competition with players like David Fletcher might influence this decision, with Waddell possibly serving as a bench player if opportunities arise or continuing development in Gwinnett.