Braves Prospect Watch: Drew’s Solid Step Forward Comes with a Few Red Flags
When the Braves picked up Drew as an undrafted free agent after the 2023 MLB Draft, there wasn’t a ton of fanfare. But fast forward two seasons, and he’s quietly worked himself into the conversation - especially at a position where the Braves could use some long-term answers.
After a strong showing in 2024, where he slashed .289/.394/.414 across 110 games between Augusta and Rome, expectations started to rise. He showed off a disciplined eye at the plate, switch-hitting versatility, and just enough pop to get people intrigued. That performance - paired with a solid college track record - earned him the starting first base job for the Double-A Columbus Clingstones heading into 2025.
So how did he handle the jump?
A Mixed Bag in 2025
Let’s start with the positives: Drew stayed on the field. He played 112 games this season, nearly identical to his workload in 2024, and that kind of durability is always a good sign - especially for a young hitter navigating the grind of pro ball.
Offensively, the numbers took a step back but weren’t disastrous. He posted a .251/.326/.341 slash line - not eye-popping, but not a collapse either. The on-base skills he flashed in 2024 held up decently, with a 10% walk rate that still sits comfortably above average.
But the red flag? The strikeouts.
After maintaining a manageable 17% K-rate last year, Drew saw that number spike to 26% in 2025. That’s a significant jump, and it’s especially concerning given the level of pitching he faced in Double-A.
The arms are sharper, the command is tighter, and the margin for error shrinks - and Drew felt that.
That strikeout surge dragged down his overall production. His wRC+ dipped from a robust 144 in 2024 to a more pedestrian 101 this year - right around league average.
Splits Tell the Story
Dig a little deeper, and the splits show a tale of two hitters.
From the left side, Drew was respectable - hitting .256 with a .352 OBP. He wasn’t lighting it up, but he was getting on base and giving himself a chance to contribute.
From the right side, though, things got a little dicey. He hit just .230/.362/.299 - the OBP was still strong thanks to his patience, but the lack of impact contact was noticeable.
That right-handed swing needs refinement if he’s going to stick as a true switch-hitter at the next level.
What This Means for 2026
Look, Double-A is often the make-or-break level for prospects. It’s where raw tools meet polished competition, and it’s not unusual to see young hitters take a step back. That’s what 2025 was for Drew - a year of adjustment, a year of learning, and a year that exposed some holes.
But here’s the thing: the Braves don’t have a clear long-term answer at first base. That gives Drew a real shot.
He’s got tools that are hard to teach - switch-hitting ability, a mature approach at the plate, and flashes of power. The key now is tightening up the swing, especially from the right side, and finding a way to cut down on the strikeouts.
He’ll be 25 heading into the 2026 season - not old by any stretch, but the clock is ticking. If he can make the necessary adjustments, there’s still a path to the majors.
The foundation is there. Now it’s about building on it.
The Braves will be watching closely.