Every year, a handful of players ranked outside the top 10 in their respective farm systems take meaningful steps forward to improve their stock and vault up prospect rankings. Part of the fun is trying to identify those breakouts before it happens. So today, we\u2019re identifying Braves prospects who have the potential to make a jump in 2026.<\/p>\n
To qualify, a player must rank outside the organization\u2019s preseason Top 10 prospects.\u00a0All scouting reports are from Baseball America\u2019s 2026 Prospect handbook, which you can purchase here<\/a>.<\/p>\n You can find Top 30 prospect rankings\u00a0for all teams here<\/a>\u00a0and all breakout candidates here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Breakout Prospects<\/p>\n Conor Essenburg<\/a>, OF<\/p>\n BA Grade\/Risk: 55\/Extreme Track Record: Essenburg was a high-level two-way player out of Lincoln-Way West High in New Lenox, Ill. He made waves in the scouting industry after he homered against a 99 mph fastball from lefty flamethrower Jack Bauer in a big-time prep matchup. The Braves lured him away from a Kentucky commitment when they drafted him\u2014as an outfielder\u2014in the fifth round for $1.2 million. <\/p>\n Scouting Report: At 6-foot-2, 200 pounds and with tremendous bat speed and raw power, Essenburg immediately becomes one of the more exciting sluggers in Atlanta\u2019s system. He\u2019s a \u201cbackwards profile\u201d righthanded hitter and lefthanded thrower who can put a charge into the baseball with an uphill path and high-intent swing. Essenburg\u2019s pure hitting ability is a question mark and largely unproven. His high school track record was more limited than most of his peers drafted in the first five rounds, and he didn\u2019t play official games after signing. Still, he wowed Braves officials in a bridge league matchup with the Rays when he launched a mid-90s fastball to center. Essenburg is a below-average runner who should be limited to a corner, though he does have a plus throwing arm\u2014he threw 94 mph on the mound\u2014that profiles in right.<\/p>\n The Future: Amateur scouts were torn on whether Essenburg\u2019s upside was greater as a hitter or pitcher, but the Braves seem to view him as a bat-only prospect now. He\u2019ll get his first taste of pro ball at the lower levels in 2026 when Atlanta, and everyone else, will get a better feel for the sort of pure hitter he is.<\/p>\n Scouting Grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 55 | Run: 40 | Field: 50 | Arm: 60<\/p>\n
Adjusted Grade: 35<\/p>\n