For the first time since 1989, 4 out of the 6 Atlanta Braves minor league affiliates made the playoffs in 2016. One of those four teams went all the way and won their respective championship – the Rome Braves, which is important for two reasons. First of all – the Rome Braves are an Atlanta Braves affiliate, but not only that – out of the entire system, the 2016 Rome squad consisted of most of the promising starting pitching prospects. So to see them succeed at their highest level was validating to fans, coaches, and the front office. In short, the 2016 Rome Braves showed the Braves front office that they're most definitely doing this rebuild correctly.