7. JR Ritchie RHP (MLBP 7) BA Grades FB: 50 | Sl: 55 | Ch: 55 | Control: 55
Ritchie had UCL surgery in 2023 and didn’t pitch until June this year. After returning, Ritchie’s velocity was down, but his command was back to pre-injury levels. When his velocity returns, Ritchie projects a middle-of-the-rotation starter with a mid-to-high 90s heater and improved breaking balls. He’ll likely start the year with Rome, but could open the season in Double-A if his Spring Training goes well.
6. Owen Murphy RHP (MLBP 6) BA Grades FB: 60 | Cu: 50 | Sl: 55 | Control: 50
Murphy started the season by pitching to a 1.98 ERA in 41 innings over seven starts with Rome then his UCL gave up. When healthy, Murphy features a low 90s FB that, according to BA, plays up thanks to a lower release height and elite riding life highlighted by nearly 20 inches of induced vertical break. If he returns to form after his rehab, Murphy projects as a middle-of-the-rotation starter.
5. Hurston Waldrep RHP (MLBP 3) BA Grades FB: 50 | Sl: 55 | Split: 60 | Control: 40
Waldrep’s pitch grades are those of a two or three-A starter, and BA characterizes his arsenal as a three-pitch mix (with) a 94-96 mph fastball that touches 98-99…an upper-80s slider and mid-80s split-changeup, but there are issues. He throws a mid-80s slider that peaks above average and a split-change that could be legendary because it ducks and dives so dramatically.
BA concluded that “Waldrep could find success… (with his) high slider and splitter…but he’ll need to throw more strikes…If not, he (end up) in a mid-leverage reliever role.”
4. Ignacio Nacho Alvarez 3B (MLBNP 4) BA Grades Hit: 50 | Power: 40 | Run: 40 | Fielding: 50 | Arm: 50
BA calls Alvarez “the best pure hitter in the Braves’ system.” That says more about the system than Nacho. He walks a lot (13.7%), doesn’t strike out much (16.9%), and hadn’t shown any power until he reached Gwinnett last year. He hit 10 homers in 289 PA to double his home run total as a pro, but looks more like a doubles hitter than a power threat.
Alvarez reportedly has good hands and a strong arm, and the Braves insist he could become a good third baseman. 10 homers makes him a less than ideal fit at a power position like third base, and his lack of range means he can't play shortstop every day. I don’t see him replacing Riley, and I doubt he’s got the range for second, so he’s a man without a position, a future utility man.