The Atlanta Braves might be spiraling at the big-league level, but down in the minors, there’s a whole different kind of energy—one filled with hope. And that hope is spelled Cam Caminiti.
The Braves top prospect made his return to Single-A Augusta this week and delivered a performance that turned heads fast. In just five innings, the 18-year-old lefty gave up one run on one hit and one walk while striking out eight batters. Yep—eight punchouts in five innings. He struck out the side in the first inning like it was just another bullpen session. That’s how you make a statement.
Big Stuff, Bigger Expectations
Caminiti tossed 43 of his 62 pitches for strikes—that’s a rock-solid 69% strike rate. If you’re into metrics, that’s the kind of efficiency that separates project arms from future aces.
He had another multi-strikeout inning in the fourth, showing command and confidence across multiple innings. That’s not easy at any level—especially not in just his second game at Single-A.
Let’s rewind a bit. Caminiti had a 7.24 ERA in his four rehab outings at the complex league level, which had fans wondering if he was still working off the rust from his March injury.
The answer might be yes, but it also turns out North Port is not Augusta. The difference in competition, environment, and adrenaline can’t be overstated. In Augusta, Caminiti finally looked unleashed.
More Than Just a Famous Last Name
If the name Caminiti sounds familiar, it should. Cam is the cousin of the late Ken Caminiti, the 1996 National League MVP. So yeah, there’s legacy baked into this kid’s journey.
But he’s not riding coattails—he’s carving his own path. The Braves took him 24th overall in the 2024 draft, not because of his last name, but because of his four-pitch arsenal and mound presence beyond his years.
His fastball is rated a 60 on the 20-to-80 scouting scale, giving it that coveted “plus” label. Both his slider and changeup check in at 55—above-average weapons that keep hitters off balance. The fourth pitch? A curveball, rounding out a mix that’s already mature for someone who can’t legally buy a drink yet.
2028 Can’t Come Fast Enough For Braves
Nobody’s pretending the Braves will be calling up Caminiti anytime soon. The ETA is 2028, and there’s still a long road ahead. But if this week is any indication, the journey just might be as exciting as the destination.
So, while the Braves’ big-league club tries to find its footing, fans can keep one eye on Augusta. Because down there, the future just stepped on the mound—and it’s throwing gas.
