Four Braves Prospects to Watch in 2025

Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

January 15, 2025

In 2016, the Atlanta Braves fired manager Fredi Gonzalez, brought in triple-A manager Brian Snitker and finished with a mealy 68–93 record, the worst in the NL East. The team, led by first baseman Freddie Freeman, who finished sixth in MVP voting, did not have much on their roster. Pitcher Julio Teheran was an All-Star, and centerfielder Ender Inciarte won a Gold Glove. With a new manager, only a couple of notable players and last in their division, Braves fans had only one hope.

2017 Farm System and Success

Going into the 2017 season, the Braves had a great farm system. Prospects like Dansby Swanson, Ozzie Albies, Kolby Allard, Mike Soroka, and Kevin Maitan headlined the best farm system. Furthermore, Ronald Acuña Jr., Max Fried, Ian Anderson and Austin Riley were names to watch.

After two years, the Braves parlayed this farm into a postseason appearance in 2018. The Braves lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers in four games, but the fans had something to root for. Since then, the Braves have not missed the playoffs and won the World Series in 2021. With help from former prospects Swanson, Anderson, Albies and Riley, the Braves were back at the top of the mountain.

2025 Farm System

Going into 2025, analysts expect the Braves to rank in the bottom third for farm rankings. Their farm system evaporated as they used most of their talent to push for a World Series. However, the Braves have names ready to break the glass ceiling this season. With Alex Anthopoulos not signing any primary free agents, the farm system could become vital toward the middle of the season. Although the Bravos don’t have the best farm system, five prospects can impact the 2025 season.

Hurston Waldrep

Even though Hurston Waldrep debuted last season, he is one to watch this season. The starting rotation looks to heal with the Braves losing Charlie Morton and Max Fried. Waldrep debuted on June 9, when the Washington Nationals eventually got to the 22-year-old. After three scoreless innings, the Nationals clobbered seven runs in the fourth, and Waldrep pitched 3 2/3 innings. His second start did not go to plan, where the Rays scored six in four innings, including four runs in the fourth. Waldrep’s fourth-inning curse demoted him back down, and he finished the season in Triple-A.

However, the right-hander looks to bounce back. Finishing with a 2.92 ERA in Double-A and 3.38 in Triple-A, the Braves organization is confident in Waldrep’s ability to leap again. The Georgia native flew through the farm system, now one of the Braves’ top prospects. With a fastball and splitter combo, his swing-and-miss material leapfrogged him to new heights. With Spencer Schwellenbach stealing the spotlight in 2024, Waldrep looks to do the same in 2025.

Nacho Alvarez Jr.

Another invitee in 2024, Nacho Alvarez Jr., shook up Triple-A to receive his major league invite. The 21-year-old struggled in his first significant action, hitting .100 in 30 at-bats. He could not find a bat to ball often in the majors, with only three hits being all singles and ten strikeouts. However, the 2023 organization All-Star flew up in 2024 with his impressive vision and bat skills, leaving the Braves to wonder.

In the minors, Alvarez kept up his pace. In Triple-A, his .297 average and .398 OBP left him no choice but to be called up. After his spell in Triple-A, the Braves may need him to keep up his pace in the majors. Starting shortstop Orlando Arcia struggled last season and could continue in 2025. The concern for the former All-Star to slump below average hurt their depth. With a bat, Alvarez and the ability to fill the left side of the infield could make a substantial impact in 2025.

Drake Baldwin

Travis d’Arnaud spent 2024 as his last with the Braves. The free agent catcher left to former Braves third base coach Ron Washington‘s Los Angeles Angels. The Braves have two right-handed catchers, Sean Murphy and Chadwick Tromp. Murphy, an All-Star in 2023, slumped in 2024. The 30-year-old catcher hit .193 with only 10 home runs, struggling for contact and power. Behind him is Chadwick Tromp, a soon-to-be 30-year-old catcher who averages .232 at the plate. Altogether, right-handed catchers struggle at the plate and against right-handed pitching.

Steps in left-handed hitter Drake Baldwin. Baldwin, the sixth-best catching prospect, provides an offensive spark that the Single-A needs. With the ability to offer a left-handed bat, the Braves have a catcher who can platoon on specific matchups. In Triple-A, the 23-year-old impressed. Posting a .298 average and .407 OBP, Baldwin’s almost one-to-one strikeout walk ratio is impressive. The catcher will turn 24 around Opening Day and can be a call-up away from giving the Braves more depth behind the plate, although his numbers in Triple-A will need to translate to the majors.

Luis De Avila

The left-handed pitching on the Braves is a problem that the organization needs to fix. Free agent Tanner Scott could become the reliable late-game closer paired with Raisel Iglesias. Others like Aaron Bummer and Dylan Lee round up the bullpen. Out of ten in the pen, only three are left-handed pitchers. If any circumstance occurs, an injury to a left-handed reliever is detrimental. One man on the farm can take that spot.

Luis De Avila, a starting left-handed pitcher, could eat innings for the Braves. In any blowout early, or to rest some arms, the 23-year-old could create a spot in the bullpen. In 2024, his 3.74 era is not the brightest, but he averaged around 5.2 innings per contest. With the Braves needing left-handed arms, Avila’s 95 mph fastball and weak contact breaking pitches could entice a call-up this season.

Round-Up

With two prospects already tasting major league and two in line to, it is left up to any prospect’s health, performance, and need. The improvement alongside the upside could lead these four names to become names to watch. Of course, the Braves would hope to have all their starting talent healthy and performing. If this does not happen, these are the best names to replace. Two seasons ago, it became a Braves regular season fever dream. 2024 became an injured reality showcase. With the help of these four, the Braves faithful have some young talent to look forward to in the journey.