The Braves continue to find contributors from unexpected places. After watching Michael Harris II, Spencer Schwellenbach, Drake Baldwin, and Hurston Waldrep all rise quickly through the system, Atlanta’s next wave of talent is already forming in the Minor Leagues.
Three of the organization’s top five prospects were added in this summer’s MLB Draft, and several 2024 and 2025 draftees made strong impressions in their first full professional seasons.
Luke Sinnard flashes ace-level potential
The Braves’ decision to draft Luke Sinnard while he recovered from Tommy John surgery looks like another savvy move. The 6-foot-8 right-hander, ranked No. 16 in the system (MLB Pipeline), dominated across two levels with a 2.86 ERA, 28.3% strikeout rate, and just an 8.8% walk rate over 72 1/3 innings between Augusta and Rome.
Sinnard finished the year with 22 strikeouts over his final 16 innings and is now gaining extra reps in the Arizona Fall League — a sign the Braves want him ready for a quick climb in 2026.
John Gil showcases speed, patience in breakout year
After a tough 2024 at Augusta, shortstop John Gil (No. 13) found his rhythm at High-A Rome, batting .258 with a .730 OPS and 54 stolen bases while slashing his strikeout rate to just 14.2%.
Gil’s mix of athleticism and improved plate discipline make him one of Atlanta’s most intriguing infielders. He finished the year with Double-A Columbus, where he’s expected to return next spring — potentially setting up a 2026 ETA if the bat continues to mature.
Lucas Braun rising fast through upper levels
Right-hander Lucas Braun (No. 12) has quietly built one of the most consistent résumés in the system. Across 149 2/3 innings between Double-A Columbus and Triple-A Gwinnett, he posted a 3.67 ERA and 24.3% strikeout rate while limiting walks to just 6.6%.
He closed strong, firing seven scoreless innings on Sept. 17 against Indianapolis — his third straight gem to end the season. With his command and durability, Braun could be in the mix for Atlanta bullpen depth by mid-2026.
Two breakout Braves candidates for 2026
RHP Owen Murphy (No. 8) — After returning from elbow surgery, Murphy flashed electric stuff with a 1.32 ERA in six starts for Rome. His command and fastball life draw comparisons to Schwellenbach’s early run.
SS Alex Lodise (No. 4) — The 2025 Dick Howser Award winner from Florida State logged a .692 OPS in 25 games for Rome. With Atlanta’s middle infield depth thin, Lodise could be one of the fastest risers from the 2025 Draft class.
The big question: Where will JR Ritchie finish 2026?
With Hurston Waldrep cemented in the rotation and Schwellenbach thriving, the Braves have little need to rush top arm JR Ritchie. The 2022 first-rounder breezed through Rome and Double-A before logging a 3.02 ERA over 11 Triple-A starts for Gwinnett.
His 11.1% walk rate suggests there’s still refinement ahead, but his ceiling remains high. If he continues progressing, Ritchie could be Atlanta’s next MLB-ready starter by mid-2026.
Bottom line: Atlanta’s player development pipeline keeps churning. Sinnard, Gil, and Braun highlight a group that’s younger, healthier, and deeper than it’s been in years — ensuring the Braves’ sustained success goes well beyond their current core.
