Track Record: In high school, Riley was a thick-bodied, strong-armed pitcher/third baseman. Because of Riley’s thick trunk and arm strength, most scouts viewed him as a pitching prospect, and he would have played both ways if he had made it to Mississippi State. But the Braves believed in his bat and his work ethic and drafted him as a hitter. Riley has cut out junk food and focused on conditioning as a pro. As a result, he has slimmed down and is more athletic and nimble. After hitting 20 home runs in his first full season and 20 again in 2017, he had to settle for 19 in 2018. He would have likely topped his previous career high if not for a knee injury he suffered at Triple-A Gwinnett when diving for a ball. He missed almost all of June and saw his power sapped for another month. But in August, he finished by hitting eight home runs in a 13-game stretch.

Scouting Report: Riley’s plus-plus raw power has always been his best attribute. He has the potential to hit 25-30 home runs regularly in the majors. He has a pull-heavy approach when he gets into advantageous counts but has the strength and power to drive the ball out to right and right-center field. Riley’s approach leads to strikeouts, but he has always managed to stay on the right side of the line that separates free-swingers who can’t hit from those who hit enough to get to their power. Riley’s bat-to-ball skills give him a chance to be an average hitter to go with his excellent power. He’s shown an ability to make adjustments. His swing is now more direct to the ball, and he has sped up his hands as a pro. Defensively, Riley’s conditioning and work has helped him turn himself into a plus defender. His plus-plus arm is a key to his success at third base, but he also has developed the quick feet and quick hands scouts look for at third base. His quickness is more of the first-step variety because his raw speed is below-average and will likely get worse as he ages.

The Future: Riley should factor in the Braves’ big league plans in 2019, but the emergence of Johan Camargo and the free agent signing of Josh Donaldson cloud the picture. The Braves could be patient and let Riley get additional time at Triple-A, but they have said he will get a look in the outfield at spring training.