Atlanta Braves Build Pitching Future Despite Having One of MLB’s Worst Farm Systems
Even though they’re ranked just 28th among MLB teams, the Atlanta Braves have quietly built up their pitching talent through smart draft picks and international scouting. Their farm system, though weak overall, looks promising with several pitchers who could make it to the major league rotation soon according to The Athletic.
AJ Smith-Shawver, their best young pitcher, made waves in his MLB debut, with a scoreless season debut in May 2024.
Coming back from Tommy John surgery, JR Ritchie fanned 56 batters in just under 50 innings. His impressive 2.90 ERA across three minor league levels caught everyone’s attention. The 2022 first-round pick’s nasty slider-changeup combo has scouts excited about his potential.
Behind the plate, Drake Baldwin ranks No. 27 on MLB’s Top-100 list. He’s expected to team up with Sean Murphy by 2025. While the system is thin on hitters, the team makes up for it by getting stars to sign team-friendly contracts.
With contracts like Ronald Acuna Jr.’s 10-year, $124 million deal and Ozzie Albies’ similar agreement, the Braves keep their core players around with salaries below market value.
By 2027, the team should mix veterans on long-term deals with new talent coming up. Some current starters might move to the bullpen as young pitchers move up and grab rotation spots.
