The Atlanta Braves season has been up and down, the team is still trying to find real traction and get back in the race. The silver lining is one of Atlanta’s top outfield prospects Diego Tornes. He’s 16 years old, a switch-hitting outfielder from Havana, and he’s already making waves in the Florida Complex League.
Thirteen games into his pro career, and he’s batting a sizzling .346 with a .962 OPS. That’s not a typo — that’s what this teenager is doing against professional arms just a few months after signing his first contract.
No Homers, No Problem
Now, before you go looking for his home run count — slow down. He hasn’t hit one yet. But does it matter? Not even close. He’s still slugging .519, and that’s thanks to six extra-base hits, including three triples and three doubles.
Do you want to talk explosiveness on the bases? Let’s rewind to June 14. Against the FCL Rays, he went bonkers — three hits, all for extra bases, with a double and three triples. One game. Three triples. The kind of stat line that makes scouts scribble furiously, and farm directors start whispering.
And he hasn’t cooled off. Since that monster performance, Tornes has tacked on four more multi-hit games, and he’s recorded at least one RBI in four of his last five games. The kid isn’t just seeing the ball well — he’s doing real damage. And did we mention he’s 6-foot-2 at just 16? There’s a reason the Braves gave him nearly $2.5 million back in January during the international signing period.
Five Tools, Big Expectations
The tools? They’re loud. He’s already flashing all five. FanGraphs had him as the No. 5 international prospect in the class. MLB.com had him 15th. He left Cuba in 2021 and trained at the Alex Sanchez Academy in the Dominican Republic — a well-known launching pad for elite talent.
His scouting grades paint the picture: a 55 overall, which puts him in “above average” territory on the 20-to-80 scale. Power? 60. Arm? 60. Defense? 60. In other words, this isn’t just a bat-to-ball skills guy. He’s got the makings of a player who can impact every facet of the game — and maybe gold glove level stuff in the field down the line.
The Braves Know How to Develop Outfielders
Let’s not ignore the elephant in the room. The Braves’ outfield offense this year has been shaky. They’re missing that spark. But if history tells us anything, it’s that Atlanta knows how to groom international talent. Andruw Jones? He set the standard. Ronald Acuña Jr.? Changed the game.
Tornes is still a long way from Truist Park — his ETA is 2030, so patience is the name of the game. He’s going to spend time in North Port, develop in the Braves’ system, and iron out his approach. He’s barely old enough to drive in most states, but he’s already showing that he can hit pro pitching.
So, while the offense at the Major League level might be giving you fits, just know a 16-year-old in Florida is showing signs of something special. Braves fans — keep this name in your notes. Diego Tornes. The next one might already be here.
