The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Anderson impresses
Right-hander could be next prospect to make a major impact.
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLA. — Ian Anderson hasn’t pitched a game above the Double-A level, yet his arrival in Atlanta feels possible, if not likely, in the coming season.
The 20-year-old, taken third overall in the 2016 draft, was hidden under the blanket of other emergent arms until last season, when he hit his stride that’s made him perhaps the Braves’ most prized pitching prospect.
In 100 innings at advanced Class A Florida, Anderson had a 2.52 ERA with 118 strikeouts against four walks while limiting opponents to a .198 average. He started four games following a promotion to Double-A Mississippi, where he struck out 24 and produced a .203 average against in 19⅓ innings.
And because of that, he’s leaped into the upper-echelon of the Braves’ rich system. He’s the franchise’s No. 1 pitching prospect, according to Baseball America.
“It’s a cool achievement, but I don’t pay much attention to it,” Anderson said. “I feel like it’s more about what an organization thinks than what some media outlets think, but it’s a cool achievement for sure. But there’s plenty of guys in this room who may not get the same recognition but are equally as good and work equally as hard.”
Anderson pitched in just a pair of spring training games before he was optioned to minor league camp Friday. It was his first big league camp, where he picked the minds of Mike Foltynewicz, Kevin Gausman, Sean Newcomb and others.
“They’ve all done a good job opening their doors and taking the younger guys in,” Anderson said. “And a lot of them too are figuring out things themselves. It’s just been a good experience definitely.”
Anderson spent the winter in his native New York, emphasizing adding weight and strength to his listed 6-foot-3, 170-pound build, mostly for durability purposes. He came to Florida a couple of weeks early to start preparing for games.
Besides physical growth, Anderson feels his command has developed immensely in the past two seasons. Even more important, he’s grown mentally. He said he can navigate lineups with confidence, solving the ins and outs of what will get him to the majors sooner than most his age.
“I like Ian,” manager Brian Snitker said. “I really like what I’ve seen out of Ian. He’s going to be OK. He’s a very impressive kid, stuff is really good. He’s a different kid from who I remember meeting the first time. He’s much bigger and stronger. He’s very impressive.”
It doesn’t hurt that Anderson is trying to stand out in a crowded field either. One can’t afford a missed beat in the Braves’ pitching orchestra.
That’s not to say professional athletes need additional motivation, but the Braves have built an environment that requires consistency. That’s become a crucial element in how they’re grooming their pitchers.
“It’s awesome,” Anderson said. “It really keeps you on your toes and makes sure you can’t get complacent around here. You could get passed by really quick. I think you’ve seen that a lot just with the development of all the guys we’ve had come up. None of them have really hit a standstill. That’s because they know there’s always someone on your tail.”
It’s not a lock Anderson makes his major league debut this year, but it feels increasingly likely. His age won’t be a determinant. As Snitker said, once the games start, Anderson will show the Braves when he’s ready.
If he progresses similarly to a year ago, expect Anderson to headline the next flurry, which also could include Kyle Muller and Joey Wentz, among others. That’s not a bad spot for a 20-year-old.
“I feel like it I can see it right on the horizon,” Anderson said. “So I just have to keep working hard because if not, someone could pass me up. That’s an opportunity someone else could snatch up.”