The Atlanta Braves continue to load up on pitching depth, officially adding Nebraska right-hander Drew Christo as an undrafted free agent, the school announced Monday.
Christo, 22, heads to Atlanta’s system after four years with the Cornhuskers. The Elkhorn, Nebraska native brings size, experience, and some swing-and-miss stuff to the table — even if the command remains a work in progress.
From Cornhusker to Brave
Christo’s overall college numbers weren’t flashy — 7-7 with a 4.98 ERA in his Nebraska career — but the Braves appear intrigued by the righty’s strikeout upside. He posted an 8.9 K/9 rate during the 2025 season, fanning 51 hitters in 51.1 innings across 31 relief appearances.
His biggest challenge? Walks. Christo’s 5.8 BB/9 mark and 1.636 WHIP in 2025 underline the control issues that likely kept him from hearing his name during the MLB Draft.
Still, the Braves clearly believe there’s something to work with. Christo showed signs of life as a starter in 2024, going 3-3 with a 4.62 ERA and a far more manageable 1.193 WHIP in 60.1 innings.
He even turned heads last summer in a small sample of collegiate league action — posting a 2.37 ERA and an 11.4 K/9 in 19 innings.
Braves’ Undrafted Free Agent Strategy
Christo is now one of 11 undrafted free agents signed by Atlanta this summer, per Baseball America, including five pitchers. That group is headlined by Georgia Tech’s Jaylen Paden, who inked a deal on July 22.
While undrafted players face steep odds to crack the big leagues, the Braves know all too well that you can never have enough arms — especially in a season like 2025, where all five Opening Day starters have landed on the injured list.
Developmental Project with Upside
Realistically, Christo is a long-term project. With a fastball-slider combo that could play out of the bullpen and a frame that holds promise, Atlanta will aim to sharpen his command and consistency in the minors. If that happens, the strikeout potential is there to make him a sleeper down the line.
For now, he’ll join an organization hungry for depth, and looking to find its next diamond in the rough — one bullpen piece at a time.
