Ray-Patrick Didder

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Atlanta Braves #30 prospect in 2019
  Track Record: As a pro, Didder has played five different positions and could plausibly play anywhere other than catcher or pitcher. And with a plus arm, he'd even be credible in a mop-up role on the mound.
  
  Scouting Report: Didder is an excellent athlete. The Braves moved him to center field full-time in 2016, but started playing him at shortstop again in 2017. He's a plus defender in center or either outfield corner and he's an average defender at shortstop, second or third base. His plus arm is handy wherever he plays. His plus speed also plays well on the basepaths. The limiting factor for Didder is his bat. Didder has below-average pitch recognition and his barrel control is unexceptional. Didder doesn't get the bat knocked out of his hand, but he's a below-average hitter with well-below-average power.
  
  The Future: Didder will likely never hit enough to be a regular, but his speed and defense makes him a potentially useful player for the last spot on the roster.
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  Ranked Atlanta Braves #31 prospect in 2018
  In a system with a number of exceptional athletes, Didder may be the best. There are times when it seems like there is little he can't do. A shortstop as an amateur, the Braves moved him to the outfield to take advantage of his plus speed (he can turn in plus-plus times at his best), and he quickly became a plus defender in center with the plus arm to also play right. In 2017, the Braves let him play 29 games at shortstop (he played 79 games in the outfield) and he showed he could be at least an average defender. He could capably play anywhere other than catcher or first base if needed, but none of that will matter unless he can shorten his swing and make more contact. Didder's approach needs work, as he watches early count fastballs, falls behind and then chases late-count breaking balls, leading to too many strikeouts. Didder has below-average power and is best using a shorter, line-drive, whole-field approach with plus to plus-plus speed that could get him to second or third with every ball in the gap. His athleticism and versatility will give him plenty of chances, but he has to get his below-average hit tool up to at least average for it to matter.
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  Ranked Atlanta Braves #27 prospect in 2017
  The Braves tried Didder at second base after they signed him out of Aruba in 2013. After that didn't work, they slid him to right field to take advantage of his double-plus speed and above-average arm. That was going to be the plan for Didder at low Class A Rome in 2016, but when Ronald Acuna went on the disabled list, Didder shifted to center field and wowed Braves officials and scouts with his defense in the middle. He also showed continued refinement at the plate. He has well below-average raw power, but he can line balls in the gaps for doubles and triples. He has a knack for getting hit by pitches (39 in 2016), which plays a significant part in his solid on-base percentage. Didder's defensive versatility makes him a potential fourth outfielder, but his on-base skills could make him a starter. He will head to high Class A Florida in 2017.