It’s a big weekend for Major League Baseball, and it’s about to be even bigger for JR Ritchie, the Atlanta Braves’ No. 6 prospect — and now the confirmed starting pitcher for the All-Star Futures Game at Truist Park.
Sources confirmed that Ritchie will take the mound first for the National League squad in Saturday’s showcase of baseball’s brightest young talent. It’s the second time this year the 21-year-old right-hander has been handed the keys for a big stage — he also started for Atlanta during the Spring Breakout game in March.
From Breakout to Futures Game Starter
If you haven’t been following JR Ritchie’s rise, here’s your catch-up: He started the 2025 season at High-A Rome and absolutely dominated.
His May 10 performance — a complete game shutout — cemented what Braves brass had been seeing for weeks. That was the night he punched his ticket to Double-A, where he’s continued to shine. Through eight starts with Mississippi, Ritchie carries a 3.49 ERA across 38 2/3 innings.
Let’s not forget he wrapped up his High-A stint with a 1.30 ERA. He’s not just a “maybe someday” guy — he’s becoming a “keep an eye on this kid now” guy.
Hayden Harris Joins the NL Roster
Ritchie won’t be the only Brave representing the home team in front of the home crowd. Left-hander Hayden Harris is also headed to the Futures Game. No official word yet on how he’ll be used, but he’ll get his chance to shine under the bright lights — and likely in relief during Saturday’s seven-inning format.
Legends in the Dugout, Big-League Dreams on the Line
The 2025 All-Star Futures Game is already shaping up to be one of the most memorable in recent history, and not just because it’s being held in Atlanta. The rosters are stacked, and the dugouts will be full of Braves royalty.
We’re talking Chipper Jones, Andruw Jones, Fred McGriff, Tim Hudson — a Hall of Fame-worthy group of mentors that’ll be guiding baseball’s next generation of stars. For players like Ritchie, it’s not just a game. It’s a moment.
“You don’t get a whole lot of opportunities like this, especially coming up in the minor leagues,” Ritchie said. “It means a lot.”
Braves Showcase Talent in the System
First pitch is set for Saturday, July 12 at 4 p.m. ET at Truist Park. You can catch it on MLB Network and streaming on MLB.tv.
And while most All-Star weekends are about the present, the Futures Game is different — it gives fans a sneak peek at who’s next. JR Ritchie? He might be next. And Saturday could be the moment everyone else finds out.
