Let’s dive into the latest buzz from Atlanta Braves spring training. If you’ve been keeping tabs on Atlanta’s early action, you’ll know they’ve rattled off three straight wins.
But more importantly, some key players and top prospects are making waves, and we have a lot to break down.
Jurickson Profar Joins the Fun
First off, the newest Brave, Jurickson Profar, made his debut, and he wasted no time making an impression.
It’s always interesting to see how a new face settles in, and Profar is looking to carve out a meaningful role in this loaded Braves lineup.
Roster Moves: Trimming the Pitching Depth
Atlanta made a couple of expected roster moves yesterday, optioning right-handers Davis Daniel and Amos Willingham to Triple-A Gwinnett.
This came a day after top pitching prospect Hurston Waldrep was sent to minor league camp. Nothing surprising here—spring training is all about sorting out the roster, and these guys will have a chance to make their mark later in the year.
AJ Smith-Shawver Steals the Show
The real headline from yesterday’s win over the Pirates was the great performance from AJ Smith-Shawver.
Atlanta’s top pitching prospect took the mound and showed why there’s so much excitement around him. The 22-year-old righty was dealing, striking out three batters and giving up just two hits over two innings.
The biggest takeaway? His stuff looks major-league ready. Smith-Shawver flashed a devastating mix of a swing-and-miss breaking ball, a solid changeup, and a power fastball that he commanded in the zone.
He’s locked in a battle for a rotation spot this spring, and with outings like this, he’s making a strong case for himself.
Drake Baldwin Keeps Impressing Braves Staff
Catching prospect Drake Baldwin continued to turn heads offensively. He roped an opposite-field double, reinforcing the growing hype around his bat.
His approach at the plate has been a major talking point in Braves camp, and if he keeps this up, he could be knocking on the big-league door sooner rather than later.
Daysbel Hernandez Brings the Heat
And if you were worried about the Braves bullpen, let’s talk about Daysbel Hernandez. The right-hander put on a show, pumping fastballs in the upper 90s and striking out two in a scoreless inning.
Hernandez is an important piece for Atlanta’s bullpen in 2025, and the Braves front office has been vocal about their belief in his potential.
If he keeps locating that heater and attacking hitters, he could be a key weapon alongside the big names in the bullpen.
Looking Ahead With the Braves
The Braves are rolling, and while wins and losses don’t mean much in spring training, the performances certainly do.
With top prospects making statements and key bullpen arms showing progress, Atlanta’s early camp storylines are shaping up nicely.
Let’s see who continues to step up as the spring unfolds.
