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The Atlanta Braves minor league system is loaded with prospects that hold immense promise for both the organization and fantasy baseball enthusiasts.
The old saying goes, “Pitching wins championships,” and the Braves have a ton of young arms waiting in the wings, ready to step in at a moment’s notice.
After losing some key contributors like Spencer Strider and Ronald Acuna Jr. to a rash of injuries, this youth movement will be vital to the Braves' playoff hopes as they look to capture their seventh straight division title.
The Top 5 Atlanta Braves Prospects You Need To Know
AJ Smith-Shawver - RHP
Ranked number one on the Braves top prospects chart, right-hander AJ Smith-Shawver has already received the call to the big leagues. Smith-Shawver made his brief debut with the major league club in 2023 when he was only 20. The Atlanta flame-thrower has shown top-of-the-rotation potential with a fastball that touches triple-digits. Smith-Shawver was brought back to Atlanta on May 23 for a start vs. the Cubs.
He was effective in the non-decision going 4.1 scoreless innings with four strikeouts but was diagnosed with an oblique strain shortly thereafter, landing him on the 15-day IL. We should see a July return if his recovery goes smoothly, but backed by a high-octane offense (even without Ronald Acuna Jr.), Smith-Shawver should be stashed in IL spots everywhere possible.
Braves’ AJ Smith-Shawver has oblique strain, goes on injured list https://t.co/QSJbge3yHj
— Brian O'Shea (@bposhea) May 25, 2024
Spencer Schwellenbach – RHP
The third-best prospect in the Atlanta organization, Spencer Schwellenbach, took the mound last week in his MLB debut just two days before his 24th birthday against the Nationals on May 29. The result didn’t go as hoped for Schwellenbach, who took the loss after giving up three runs in five innings while walking and hitting a batter. As rough as it was, Schwellenbach finished the night with five strikeouts and showed fantasy baseball managers why he needs to be added to all watch lists immediately.
Now that AJ Smith-Shawver is sitting on the IL, Schwellenbach should have a considerable leash to earn his spot in the Braves rotation. If he does, he looks to be a solid fantasy contributor down the stretch.
First major league strikeout for Saginaw native and @hawks_heritage alum Spencer Schwellenbach: pic.twitter.com/B6pfnMEz70
— Sam Ali (@SamAliSports) May 30, 2024
Hurston Waldrep – RHP
2023 first-round draft pick, Houston Waldrep, is the second-ranked prospect in the Braves system and is also banging on the door to come up. Waldrep was recently promoted to Triple-A Gwinnett on June 1 thanks to his upper 90’s fastball. Known for gaudy college strikeout numbers (13.5 K/9), Waldrep can also contribute to the ratio categories showcased by a 2.40 ERA in his two minor league seasons. If we do see Waldrep make the jump to the pros in 2024, it will most likely be as a reliever, however, Atlanta will be playing games that matter through the end of summer and he can be a valuable piece in the fantasy playoffs as well.
Happy Triple-A promotion day to @HurstonWaldrep!
Waldrep finished May with a 1.19 ERA over five starts, 31 strikeouts to seven walks.
Take care of him, @GoStripers! pic.twitter.com/QWSyqmnFec
— Mississippi Braves (@mbraves) June 1, 2024
Owen Murphy – RHP
The Braves first-round pick of 2022, Owen Murphy, slots into fourth on this list even though the 20-year-old right-hander is slated to undergo Tommy John surgery and end his 2024 campaign. Murphy was in the middle of an incredible year at A+ Rome going 4-2 with a 1.54 ERA, and 60 strikeouts in 41 innings. There’s a long road ahead for Murphy, but if he can bounce back from this injury, he can start hitting fantasy radars at the end of next year.
Sheer dominance from Owen Murphy 💪
The @Braves' No. 5 prospect takes a perfect game into the 7th and finishes with double-digit K's for the second straight start for @GoEmperors: pic.twitter.com/Gl1dQWR4rW
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) April 26, 2024
Ignacio “Nacho” Alvarez Jr. – SS
The only non-pitcher on this list and his nickname is “Nacho,” what’s not to love?! Alvarez Jr. was a fifth-round pick in 2022 and has been one of the most consistent hitters in the Braves minor leagues. He has an above-average eye and enough speed to make a difference in fantasy lineups.
The 21-year-old has a career average of .281 in the minors, he stole 16 bases in 2023 and he’s already reached 16 in 2024. Alvarez Jr. is also highly regarded defensively at shortstop which may be his calling card to the big show, however, once he lands in Atlanta, his bat just might be what keeps him there. Alvarez should be on all sleeper cheat sheets for next year's drafts.
Nacho Alvarez makes a terrific play to end the top of the fifth inning pic.twitter.com/YifDpa1Dl9
— Garrett Spain (@BravesMILB) May 17, 2024
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