5. RHP Bryce Elder – Atlanta Braves No. 11 Prospect
2021 Season Stats: 11-3, 2.91 ERA, 1.100 WHIP, 46 BB, 140 K
Arguably the Braves top pitching prospect that has risen the most throughout the minor leagues this season is Bryce Elder, Atlanta’s No. 11 prospect.
The 22-year-old right-hander began the 2021 campaign in High-A Rome where he made nine starts. Across those nine starts, Elder posted a combined 2.60 ERA quickly earning a promotion to Double-A early-on in his first full professional season.
After this impressive start, Elder would not skip a beat with Mississippi making nine starts as well. Across those nine starts, the right-hander posted a 7-1 record with a 3.21 ERA, which included one complete game.
Recently called up to Triple-A Gwinnett, Elder has made four starts allowing seven earned runs across 22.2 innings pitched.
Selected in the fifth round of the 2020 MLB Draft, Elder was coming off two phenomenal seasons at Texas where Atlanta went over-slot to sign the right-hander. After impressing in the instructional league, Elder has certainly turned some eyes with his rise this season through the Braves minor league system this season.
Elder has arguably the best slider in Atlanta’s system to pair with a fastball that sits in the low-90’s, curveball, and changeup. Currently 22-years-old, Elder will remain in Triple-A for the remainder of the 2021 season, but with a fast start next season, the right-hander could be one of Atlanta’s first major league call-ups next season.