Matt Wright

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Atlanta Braves #27 prospect in 2003
  Wright had to wonder what else could go wrong during the first half of 2002. He suffered through every type of bad luck imaginable while losing his first seven decisions in low Class A. His maturity and determination allowed him to turn his season around, as he won 10 of his last 11 decisions. Wright has better stuff that would be expected from a former 21st-round pick, beginning with a low-90s fastball that he works to both sides of the plate. His changeup is solid and continues to show more consistency and fade. Wright's third option is a power curveball that could develop into an above-average pitch if he can maintain his release point when throwing it. Wright has made steady progress in the organization by applying instruction and making the necessary adjustments. Added physical maturity will enable him to become stronger and develop into a potential No. 4 starter in the major leagues. He'll spend this year in high Class A.
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  Ranked Atlanta Braves #18 prospect in 2002
  A 21st-round pick in 2000, Wright made incredible progress during the latter part of that Gulf Coast League season and in instructional league. He struggled last season in the Appalachian League before gaining a handle on his slider in early August, and went 2-2, 2.32 with 43 strikeouts in his final 31 innings. His efforts included a 13-strikeout performance at Kingsport. Wright is in the process of making the change from a thrower to a pitcher. He's a good competitor who is most effective when he stays within himself. His fastball is clocked in the 92-93 mph range and his changeup showed improvement last year. As with most hurlers who have yet to celebrate their 20th birthday, Wright needs to mature both physically and mentally, but he has a good idea of how to pitch and has shown to be a quick learner. He'll be expected to earn a job in Macon's rotation this spring.
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  Ranked Atlanta Braves #13 prospect in 2001
  Members of the Braves front office were unanimous in their belief that Wright made as much progress as any newcomer in 2000. Bypassed until the 21st round last June, he made some minor adjustments to his delivery that were suggested by the Atlanta coaching staff and emerged as one of the top pitching prospects in the organization. He combines a 92-93 mph fastball with a hard, sharp-breaking curveball that made him almost unhittable late in the Gulf Coast League season and during instructional league. The Braves were most impressed with the command he has of his plus curveball as well as his knowledge of when to use it to his greatest advantage. He'll have to improve his third pitch, an average changeup, to keep hitters from sitting on his fastball. As a late-round pick, Wright was used in relief last year to allow top draft picks to work as starters, limiting his innings. That scenario won't be repeated in 2001 when Wright joins the Macon rotation.