Atlanta Braves
NL East
2024 record: 89-73 (tied for 2nd)
MiLB affiliates
Triple-A: Gwinnett Stripers
Double-A: Columbus Clingstones
High-A: Rome Emperors
Single-A: Augusta GreenJackets
Notable prospects graduated in 2024
RHP Spencer Schwellenbach
RHP Grant Holmes
Prospects1500 writers who contributed to this column and rankings: Tony Bps (@tonybps1), Greg Bracken (@gregbracken07), Clint Fasse (@ProspectLarceny), Adam Greene (@aj_greene1015), Scott Greene (@Scotty_Ballgame), Michael Kelley (@MKelley_ND), Shaun Kernahan (@ShaunKernahan), and Jeremy Mahy (@JMahyfam). The writer’s Twitter handle follows each player write-up or paragraph.
Prospects1500 Tiers:
Tier 1: Players with high expectations of both making the majors and playing at an All-Star level for a number of years
Tier 2: Players with an above-average expectation of making the majors and being a solid contributor
Tier 3: Players with an average expectation of making the majors and being a solid contributor
Tier 4: Players who have the potential to make the majors; possible sleeper candidates for sustained MLB success
Tier 5: Players of interest, worth keeping an eye on, who may make (or have made) the majors but provide minimal impact
Levels listed for each player are the highest levels player reached in 2024
Tier 1
None
Tier 2
1. AJ Smith-Shawver, RHP, 22, MLB
Long heralded as one of the top pitching prospects in baseball, Smith-Shawver began utilizing a full four-pitch arsenal in 2024. His fastball easily sits in the upper 90s and can touch triple digits, but his command is still ways away from Major League ready. He did make two Major League starts, one in the NLDS, but an oblique injury kept him from pitching a full season. (@aj_greene1015)
2. Hurston Waldrep, RHP, 22, MLB
Atlanta’s 2023 first round pick (24th overall), Waldrep had his cup of coffee in 2024, starting two games for the Braves. It wasn’t the lights out debut as Braves fans hoped for, and he definitely struggled, but give the 22-year-old a pass. He’s a blue chipper with star potential who will be a difference maker in this MLB rotation. Look for him to get more Triple-A seasoning to begin the ’25 campaign. (@Scotty_Ballgame)
3. Drake Baldwin, C, 23, Triple-A
Baldwin was selected in the 3rd round of the 2022 Draft out of Missouri State. That selection has paid off thus far, as Baldwin will compete for the backup job behind Sean Murphy during Spring Training. He has more hit than power in his profile but projects to be an upper-half fantasy catcher at maturity. He should be on all radars, especially two catcher format leagues. (@MKelley_ND)
Tier 3
4. Nacho Alvarez Jr., SS/3B, 21, MLB
Consistency is the name of the game for Ignacio “Nacho” Alvarez. His MiLB slash lines from the last two years are .284/.395/.391 and .284/.391/.401, indicating his advanced bat-to-ball skills and low strikeout numbers. In terms of pure hitting, there’s no question he’s the best in Atlanta’s system. Although the Braves experimented with him at third base, he’s primarily a shortstop due to his athleticism. (@aj_greene1015)
5. Owen Murphy, RHP, 21, High-A
The 2024 season was one where Murphy finally put it all together. He doesn’t possess overwhelming velocity, sitting in the low 90’s, but offers four different pitches that he will throw for strikes. He may be Atlanta’s best minor league hope for SP, and has all the makings of a solid #2/#3 starter at the highest level. (@MKelley_ND)
6. Jose Perdomo, SS, 18, Rookie (DSL)
Perdomo was the Braves’ marquee signing in the 2024 international class, and didn’t see much actual game time (8 GP). The bat speed will lead to plus raw power as he matures physically and there’s enough present contact ability to turn that into game power. He hasn’t shown that he’s a free-swinger, and won’t have to sacrifice making contact to launch the baseball. Perdomo doesn’t carry the hype of a Jesus Made, but the tools are still worthy to dream on. (@MKelley_ND)
7. Cam Caminiti, LHP, 18, Single-A
Originally a guy who was slated to be the top prep lefty in the upcoming 2025 MLB Draft, Caminiti reclassified to the 2024 class and was selected 24th overall. While he is a stretch only pitcher, the balance in the delivery through a high leg kick before firing a fastball in the mid 90s and feel for three secondary offerings, the profile is all starter. He is young and will need some time in the low minors, but he has number two starter written all over him. (@ShaunKernahan)
8. JR Ritchie, RHP, 21, High-A
Ritchie was the 35th overall pick back in 2022 with a promising three pitch mix, but the dreaded TJ surgery shut down his 2023 season after just 13.1 innings. He returned last June and looked good striking out 48 and walking 12, while only allowing 11 earned runs in 42.1 innings across Single and High-A. A normal offseason will only improve his control/command and should allow him to add a tick or two in velocity as he gets stretched out during the season. If all goes well, he could reach Double-A next year with a 2026 MLB debut not out of the question. (@jmahyfam)
Tier 4
9. Drue Hackenberg, RHP, 22, Triple-A
10. Luis Guanipa, RHP, 19, Single-A
11. Jhancarlos Lara, RHP, 21, Double-A
12. Garrett Baumann, RHP, 20, High-A
13. Cade Kuehler, RHP, 22, High-A
14. Lucas Braun, RHP, 23, Double-A
15. Didier Fuentes, RHP, 19, Single-A
Hackenberg had a good season and could be a viable mid-rotation starter if he can improve his command. Guanipa is an interesting young outfielder with a nice blend of speed and power. He’s someone to keep an eye on in this tier. Lara struggled last year but has the makings of a solid reliever if the team moves him into the bullpen. Baumann has some good offerings and can improve as he gains experience. Braun has the stuff to be a 4th/5th type starter in the majors. Fuentes bounced back to have a strong 2024 after struggling in 2023, giving him a solid chance to continue projecting as a future starter.
Tier 5
16. David McCabe, 3B/1B, 24, Double-A
17. Blake Burkhalter, RHP, 24, High-A
18. Carter Holton, LHP, 22, Single-A
19. Ian Mejia, RHP, 24, Triple-A
20. Geraldo Quintero, OF, 23, Double-A
21. Kadon Morton, OF, 24, High-A
22. Luke Sinnard, RHP, 22, Injured (College in 2023)
23. E.J. Exposito, SS/2B, 23, High-A
24. John Gil, SS, 18, Single-A
25. Luis Vargas, RHP, 22, High-A
26. Dylan Dodd, LHP, 26, MLB
27. Rolddy Muñoz, RHP, 24, Double-A
28. Isaiah Drake, OF, 19, Single-A
29. Royber Salinas, RHP, 23, Triple-A
30. Herick Hernandez, LHP, 21, High-A
31. Riley Frey, LHP, 22, High-A
32. Junior Garcia, OF, 19, Single-A
33. Mario Baez, SS/2B, 18, Rookie (FCL)
34. Luis de Avila, LHP, 23, Triple-A
35. Adam Maier, RHP, 23, High-A
36. Diego Benitez, SS/3B, 20, Single-A
37. Carlos D. Rodriguez, OF, 24, Triple-A
38. Nick Montgomery, C, 19, High school
39. Lizandro Espinoza, SS/OF, 22, Single-A
40. Jeremy Reyes, RHP, 18, Single-A
41. Douglas Glod, OF, 19, Rookie (FCL)
42. Ethan Workinger, OF, 23, Double-A
43. Ethan Bagwell, RHP, 18, Single-A
44. Kevin Kilpatrick Jr., OF, 24, High-A
45. Jace Grady, OF, 23, High-A
46. Blane Abeyta, RHP, 26, Double-A
47. Hayden Harris, LHP, 25, Triple-A
48. Ambioris Tavarez, SS, 21, High-A
49. Adam Zebrowski, C, 24, Double-A
50. Will Verdung, 1B, 21, Single-A
McCabe struggled in AA last season after having Tommy John surgery, but looks to get back on track this year. He could be a nice buy-low opportunity. Holton was the team’s 2nd round pick in the 2024 Draft and only threw 2 innings, so 2025 will give us a better view of his future. Mejia is more command over velocity and could be a back of the rotation type. Sinnard had Tommy John surgery in June, hasn’t pro debuted yet, but has a promising future as a mid-rotation starter. Dodd has struggled the last two seasons and looks like time is running out on his chances. Munoz could be a solid closer and may even get some innings in the major leagues this season. Drake has great speed but struggles with the hit tool and dealt with injuries in 2024. Benitez struggled last season but was a highly touted international signee who is still only 20 years old. Montgomery has great power but is years away from the majors and may have to move off catching as he grows. Reyes has command issues but can be a solid back-end starter as he develops. Glod has some tools but the results haven’t been there in three seasons yet.
Adam Greene is a student UMass Amherst's Isenberg School of Management. He currently writes for the Cape Cod Baseball League and UMass Athletics. From Longmeadow, MA, Adam is a huge Red Sox fan and has been following the team his whole life and he's spent the last few years covering their farm system. Follow him on Twitter at @aj_greene1015 and Instagram at the same handle.
Jeremy covers the St Louis organization and contributes on Prospects of the Week for Prospects1500. Born and raised in the Midwest, he is a lifelong fan of the Birds on the Bat. You can follow him on Twitter @JMahyfam for more baseball content.
"Love is the most important thing in the world, but baseball is pretty good, too." -Yogi Berra
President of Prospects1500. Founder of Diamond Duos dynasty fantasy baseball leagues and the MLB Fantasy Playoffs Parlay. Participant and champion in several dynasty/fantasy baseball and football leagues. Sales Manager for Reminder Publishing by day. Huge Bruce Springsteen and pro wrestling fan. Along with his wife and two boys, lives in Longmeadow, MA. Follow on Twitter at @Scotty_Ballgame.
Greg covers the Toronto Blue Jays organization for Prospects1500. Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, a long-suffering fan of both the Blue Jays and the Toronto Maple Leafs. For more than 15 years now a participant/commish in many dynasty baseball leagues, all with extremely deep minor league rosters. Follow on X @gregbracken07.
Tony Bps Spina is a lifelong baseball fan hailing from the City of Brotherly Love - Philadelphia! Tony has loved baseball since 1980 and has followed the Phillies through good and bad times. Tony is married with 3 kids and works for a financial institution but has enough free time to play in 20 fantasy baseball leagues with 75% of them being Dynasty Leagues. He lives a few blocks away from Citizens Bank Park and attends many Phillies games per year in addition to their minor league teams in Lehigh Valley and Reading. He can be reached on Twitter at @TonyBps1.
Born in Arizona. Raised in the Midwest, and with lots of baseball. When I’m not writing about baseball or purchasing my next baseball card, I can be seen coasting down the highway to yet another travel baseball tournament with my wife and son. I love the Braves, bat flips and outfield assists.
Shaun Kernahan is the MLB Draft correspondent for Prospects1500. When not at a game, chances are the TV and/or tablet has a game on and he has a notepad out taking notes. When not scouting draft prospects, he is the Director of Baseball Operations for the Mile High Collegiate Baseball League, a collegiate wood bat league in Colorado. Shaun can be found on Twitter at @ShaunKernahan.
Did the Braves release Cedric De Grandpre? If not, what’s his status?