The Atlanta Braves have and exciting next wave of talent on deck. While the team continues to operate in win-now mode, fans can also look forward to the future. With a stacked farm system, some of these top prospects might be key pieces for the 2025 season and beyond. Let’s dive into three names Braves fans should keep their eyes on.
Drake Baldwin – Catcher (No. 5 Prospect)
Drake Baldwin’s rise in 2024 was nothing short of spectacular. The young catcher made his mark with a breakout performance that earned him a spot in the Futures Game during the All-Star Break and claimed the title of Braves Minor League Player of the Year. Now, Baldwin is showcasing his skills in the Arizona Fall League, slashing an impressive .320/.393/.560 with a home run and four RBIs.
There’s a lot to love about Baldwin’s game. The consensus is clear, he’s ready for the big leagues. With veterans like Travis d’Arnaud and Sean Murphy set to return for the 2025 season, the Braves have some decisions to make regarding their catching rotation. While Baldwin’s path to consistent playing time might not be set in stone just yet, it’s clear he’ll get his shot to prove himself.
Hurston Waldrep – Pitcher (No. 3 Prospect)
Hurston Waldrep may not have had the MLB debut he envisioned last season, but his potential is undeniable. Across two starts, he gave up 13 earned runs over seven innings, which doesn’t tell the whole story. Scouts rave about Waldrep’s raw stuff, and his scouting grades highlight why he’s such an exciting prospect.
Waldrep’s arsenal clearly has the makings of a future MLB standout. His fastball and splitter both rank high, showing he has the tools to be an effective weapon on the mound. The main area for growth? Command. Right now, his control is deemed “fringe-average” by Baseball America. But with more experience and development, Waldrep has the potential to unlock his full ability and become a reliable arm in the rotation.
A.J. Smith-Shawver – Pitcher (No. 2 Prospect)
A.J. Smith-Shawver’s talent isn’t just about potential, it’s about action. Despite having just one MLB start under his belt, he was called up for the Braves playoff roster and pulled from a rehab assignment to bolster the bullpen in Arizona. This demonstrates the level of trust and faith the Braves have in him. They see something special in Smith-Shawver and are not afraid to test him in high-pressure situations.
After getting a taste of the majors in the past two seasons, it’s expected that he’ll have more opportunities in 2025. His Triple-A stats may not have been stellar, but that was largely due to his recovery from injury. He posted a 4.86 ERA across 20 starts. Spring Training will be a crucial period for him. If he can show improvement, there’s a solid chance he’ll earn a spot on the roster.
Smith-Shawver’s standout pitch is his fastball, which earns a solid 65 on the 20-80 scale. Add to that an above-average slider (55), and you’ve got a strong foundation. However, his command, like Waldrep’s, needs refining (currently rated at 45). With consistent work and more experience, this young pitcher could become a key part of the Braves’ future rotation.
The Takeaway?
The Braves have a promising future with these top prospects knocking on the door. While the team’s current roster is built to win now, these young players add depth and excitement for what’s to come. Whether it’s Baldwin’s power at the plate or the electric arms of Waldrep and Smith-Shawver, there’s plenty for Braves fans to look forward to as the team builds for sustained success.
