The Atlanta Braves have dipped into the pitching pool yet again, this time adding Jackson Dannelley to their organization.
The 23-year-old right-handed reliever is heading to the rookie-level Florida Complex League (FCL) Braves, giving him a shot at affiliated baseball after navigating a winding path through college ball and the independent leagues.
It’s a classic story of persistence in professional baseball, and while the odds may not seem in Dannelley’s favor, the Braves are intrigued enough to see what he can bring to the table.
Dennelley’s Pitching Career Has Been a Bit Shaky
Dannelley’s journey hasn’t been the smoothest ride. He began his collegiate career at Panola College in Texas, a stepping stone for many players looking to develop their skills.
Over two seasons, including one shortened by the pandemic, he made 16 appearances and posted a 6.44 ERA across 29 1/3 innings pitched.
Those numbers don’t exactly leap off the page, but they were enough to propel him to Division I baseball, where he spent the rest of his college days split between the Houston Cougars and the Purdue Boilermakers.
In three seasons at the D1 level, Dannelley made 59 appearances, all out of the bullpen, with a 6.46 ERA, a 1.25 WHIP, and 89 strikeouts in 92 innings pitched.
Independent Leagues Before Signing With Braves
After college, he kept his baseball dream alive by turning to independent ball. In 2024, Dannelley suited up for the Chicago Dogs of the American Association, one of the premier independent leagues in the country with ties to Major League Baseball.
Unfortunately, his brief stint there was rocky, as he pitched just 7 2/3 innings across five games, recording a 10.57 ERA. Those struggles might have deterred some, but the Braves saw enough in him to offer a shot at their system.
While his numbers don’t scream “future star,” it’s important to remember that the minor leagues are full of stories like this—players starting at the bottom and clawing their way up with hard work, the right coaching, and a little luck.
At 23, Dannelley is older than most rookie-level players, but age doesn’t always dictate potential. If he can refine his stuff, make adjustments, and string a few solid outings, he could work up the Braves’ minor-league ladder.
After all, baseball is full of late bloomers. And sometimes, all a player needs is a chance to prove what they can do.
For now, Jackson Dannelley is starting at square one in the FCL, but the road ahead is wide open.
