Clear to assume no one was more frustrated about the lack of a minor league system than switching hitting outfielder Drew Waters. While just playing just 26 games in Triple-A in 2019, Drew amassed a line of .309/.360/.459 in 134 total games between Double-A, and Triple-A - a fantastic line for someone of his age. With Cristian Pache now entrenched in center, and a certain outfielder by the name of Ronald Acuña Jr. manning right field, the path to the big leagues for Drew hinges on that final outfield spot. Only time will tell if the Braves sign someone to play the outfield or if they want Drew to earn the spot so to say the 2020/2021 offseason is key to his future in Atlanta would be an understatement.
What Went Right in 2020
Drew staying healthy was the best thing for him in 2020. The outfield was crowded with Ronald, Pache, Duvall, Markakis, Inciarte so you didn’t expect to see Drew unless we saw a huge uptick in injuries so staying healthy and working on his approach at the plate was the biggest positive.
What Went Wrong in 2020
Not facing in-game action was the biggest thing to go wrong for Drew in 2020. While he faced a ton of competition in camp, nothing can quite mimic actual in-game action so while it wasn’t a lost year of development it wasn’t the greatest for a player on the cusp of being in the majors.
What to Expect in 2021
Drew will challenge for that final outfield spot for sure but what is most likely is that Drew starts the season at Triple-A Gwinnett and battles for a spot in Atlanta for the duration of 2021. If he can keep the walk rate of Gwinnett (9.2%), and pair it with the K-rate of 2018 (24.8%) he will find himself banging on the door to Atlanta, but that’s asking a lot for someone just 21 years of age. A full year facing more polished players in Triple-A may do him good with Drew forcing himself onto the field in Atlanta in 2021.