The Atlanta Braves may be preparing to shake up their bullpen. Rumors are swirling that flamethrowing prospect Jhancarlos Lara could be in line for a major league debut, giving Atlanta one last look at its young talent as the 2025 season winds down.
Braves bullpen struggles spark speculation
Atlanta’s bullpen has been a weak link in 2025, ranking just 24th in fWAR despite strong second-half showings from Raisel Iglesias, Tyler Kinley, and Pierce Johnson. The lack of overall depth has left the front office searching for solutions, and Lara’s name is surfacing as a possible late-season answer.
Who is Jhancarlos Lara?
Lara, one of Atlanta’s most intriguing arms, features a high-velocity fastball and sharp slider that grade among the best in the Braves’ farm system. His command has been inconsistent, and he recently attempted to tone down his fastball to throw more strikes with mixed results.
Prospect whispers gain traction
Braves prospect analyst Gaurav Vedak reported that Lara could be on the verge of promotion. Vedak has long been a reliable voice on Atlanta’s farm system, lending credibility to the speculation. While no official confirmation has come from the club, the report suggests Atlanta is ready to see what Lara can offer.
Odd timing for the move
The timing raises questions. Lara has a 10.02 ERA over his last 20.2 innings in the minors, though his strikeout numbers remain strong. A call-up during a rough patch, with just days left in the regular season, is unconventional. It may signal that the Braves want to accelerate his shift into a relief role, where his raw stuff could play up in shorter stints.
What’s next
If promoted, Lara could debut out of the bullpen before the season ends, offering a glimpse of his potential as Atlanta considers offseason roster moves. With bullpen depth a clear priority for 2026, his performance would immediately factor into the Braves’ long-term plans.
