Keep an eye on Atlanta Braves prospect JR Ritchie in 2025. MLB Pipeline recently spotlighted Ritchie as the Braves player most likely to take a significant leap forward this season, with a real shot at cracking the coveted Top 100 Prospects list.
Let’s rewind for context: Ritchie was the Braves’ first-round pick in 2022, coming out of Bainbridge High School in Washington. The young right-hander showed plenty of promise early in his professional career, but in 2023, he was thrown a curveball—Tommy John surgery sidelined him.
Fast-forward to 2024, and Ritchie made an impressive return, striking out 56 batters in just under 50 innings across three minor league levels, culminating in high-A Rome. His mid-90s fastball and sharp breaking pitches demonstrated why the Braves were so high on him.
Ritchie’s bounce-back season didn’t go unnoticed. He ranked sixth in the midseason Battery Power Prospect Rankings and climbed to fifth in the community-voted Battery Power Community Prospect Rankings. Clearly, fans and scouts alike are paying close attention to his development.
JR Ritchie Expected to Move up Braves Minor League Ranks
Ritchie is expected to start 2025 in Double-A Columbus, the new home for the Braves’ former Mississippi affiliate. There’s a chance he might begin the season back in Rome, but wherever he lands, the expectations are sky-high. His mix of raw talent, mental toughness, and work ethic make him a strong candidate for a breakout year.
Ritchie represents more than just another name on the farm. He’s part of the team’s future, one that could soon translate into big-league success. Imagine a rotation anchored by more young talent while mentored by Atlanta’s elite veterans.
Keep your eyes on this guy; this rising star might just become a cornerstone of Atlanta’s pitching rotation in the years to come. If he truly has a breakout season, expect him to rise through minor league ball quickly. The Braves need another strong arm ready for the Major Leagues.
