Arizona Fall League Preview: Atlanta Braves
By JT Murphy ·
The Atlanta Braves are sending eight players to the Glendale Desert Dogs this fall, with Tate Southisene and Briggs McKenzie headlining the group. Several of them are in Arizona to make up time lost to injuries, and the rest are getting extra reps against upper-level competition.
Tate Southisene's Comeback Trail
Tate Southisene, a 19-year-old shortstop and 80Grade's No. 6 Braves prospect (No. 132 overall), is taking the field for the Glendale Desert Dogs after recovering from a wrist injury. He was hit on the right wrist by a pitch in his Double-A debut with Columbus on July 29 and did not play again in the regular season, which limited his 2026 season to 90 games. He hit a combined .278/.408/.467 across Single-A Augusta, High-A Rome and that one game at Columbus. His AFL assignment allows him to regain lost at-bats and continue developing his promising skill set.
Southisene's game is built on speed and defense, supported by solid on-base skills, including a 15.5% walk rate. His 45 stolen bases this season highlight how disruptive he is on the bases. The primary focus for Southisene in the AFL will be improving his contact against advanced pitching, as his strikeout rate sat at 22.4%. The AFL also gives him a stage to refine his approach and add to a power output that reached 12 home runs this year.
Briggs McKenzie Aims to Regain Form
Left-handed pitcher Briggs McKenzie, 80Grade's No. 10 Braves prospect (No. 243 overall), is another key player in the AFL. The 19-year-old was limited to 26 innings this season, last pitching on June 25 before going on the injured list in early July and moving to the 60-day injured list in August. His combined 2.08 ERA across the Florida Complex League, Single-A Augusta and High-A Rome reflects his potential when healthy, supported by a 28.7% strikeout rate.
McKenzie's curveball remains his primary weapon, and the AFL will be important for him to stabilize his fastball velocity and command. If he can show improved durability and command, McKenzie could solidify his projection as a potential mid-rotation starter.
Owen Carey's Opportunity for Growth
Owen Carey, a 20-year-old outfielder and 80Grade's No. 14 Braves prospect, will use the AFL to address his inconsistencies at the plate. This season, Carey posted a .244/.322/.408 line with 10 home runs over 94 games, with a heel injury costing him about six weeks in the spring. He hit .272/.347/.480 in 53 games at High-A Rome, but his stint at Double-A Columbus was challenging, with a .211 average over 35 games.
The AFL represents a chance for Carey to refine his swing decisions and improve his contact against advanced arms. With a left-handed bat and an athletic profile, Carey has the tools to contribute, but his development will hinge on making consistent contact against upper-level breaking balls.
Isaiah Drake Looks to Impress
Isaiah Drake, a 21-year-old outfielder and 80Grade's No. 38 Braves prospect, brings elite speed to the AFL roster. His 2026 campaign at High-A Rome saw him hit .264/.342/.443 with 12 home runs and 19 stolen bases in 68 games before an injured-list stint from June 30 to September 18 ended his regular season. Drake's speed changes games, but his contact ability remains a concern, as his 25.6% strikeout rate shows.
For Drake, the AFL is an opportunity to make up those lost at-bats and show improved discipline. His future as an everyday outfielder will depend heavily on his ability to cut down on swing-and-miss.
Quick Hits on the Braves' AFL Pitchers
Logan Samuels: The 24-year-old right-hander, who posted a 6.08 ERA in 35 relief appearances at High-A Rome, is looking to lean on his plus fastball and slider combination. Consistency in command will be key for him in the AFL.
Owen Hackman: Hackman brings a solid fastball to the table, with a 4.30 ERA across 60⅔ innings between High-A Rome and Double-A Columbus. His performance in the AFL will hinge on developing his secondary pitches.
Tanner Bauman: The left-hander signed with Atlanta on August 7 after the Yankees released him, and he posted a 4.97 ERA with a 12.1% walk rate across both organizations. Known for his fastball-slider mix, Bauman will use his AFL stint to work on his command.
Tyler LaPorte: At 29, LaPorte is older than the typical AFL arm. His 1.84 ERA, 36.3% strikeout rate and 10 saves over 49 innings at Double-A Columbus suggest he can provide valuable innings, though his role remains to be defined.
Bottom Line:
For the Braves, this fall is mostly about Tate Southisene getting back on the field. He reached Double-A at 19 before the wrist injury, and Glendale is where he gets back the at-bats he lost after July 29.