Maitan reported to rookie-level Orem last week and has appeared in five game, recording nine hits and a 2:2 BB:K over 20 at-bats.

EDGE Analysis

Maitan, the top prospect the Braves were forced to surrender this winter after violating baseball's protocol for international signings, latched on with the Angels in December on a $2.2 million signing bonus. The 18-year-old got off on the wrong foot with his new organization after reporting to camp in poor shape, prompting the Angels to keep him at extended spring training for about two months to work on his conditioning. Now ready to play on an everyday basis, Though Maitan is off to a sizzling start in the Pioneer League, don't expect a quick promotion to a full-season affiliate after he struggled across 42 games with two of the Braves' rookie-level affiliates in 2017.

Maitan is opening the season in extended spring training, MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo reports.

EDGE Analysis

This was expected, as Maitan, despite all the hype and pedigree, has not yet had success in a short-season league. He should open the year in the AZL. Evaluators will be looking for offensive production, but also will be keeping a keen eye on the 18-year-old's conditioning, as it will be important for him to keep his weight in check as he moves up the ranks.

Maitan agreed to a contract with the Angels on Tuesday, Buster Olney of ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

Among the 12 prospects granted free agency as part of the Braves' sanctions for violating international signing guidelines, Maitan was the biggest loss. Maitan struggled at rookie ball in his first professional season (.629 OPS), but he's just 17 and there is still a lot to dream on with the switch-hitter's bat. He will likely be held back to begin 2018, but Maitan may get a look with a full-season affiliate before the end of the campaign.

Maitan could be declared a free agent upon the conclusion of MLB's investigation into improprieties regarding his signing in 2016, Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ex Braves general manager John Coppolella, who resigned Monday, seems to have disregarded many rules during his tenure, and his pursuit of Maitan might be the most well-known of these alleged violations. The Braves seem to have had an agreement in place with Maitan when he was only 14 years old, and he was essentially working as a Braves' prospect in Florida for more many months before he was eligible to sign on July 2, 2016. Maitan is a prized switch-hitting infield prospect, and would be greatly sought after if he were put back on the market. He hit .220/.273/.323 with two home runs and 39 strikeouts in 33 games as a 17-year-old in the Appalachian League, but has as much power and batting average upside as any prospect who has not yet played in a full-season league.

Maitan went 1-for-1 with a walk in his first professional game Monday with the GCL Braves.

EDGE Analysis

Hitting third as the DH, the 17-year-old got his pro career off to a rousing start. Atlanta isn't going to rush their prized international signing from last year, but Maitan's already the organization's No. 2 fantasy prospect due to his sky-high offensive upside. The lead time may be long for dynasty league GMs who invest in him, but his elite bat speed and power potential could begin to pay dividends as soon as 2020.