The Atlanta Braves have done a great job drafting over the last couple of years, and it's starting to pay off. They have begun stockpiling some extremely talented prospects, which should give Atlanta a boost in its farm system rankings.
A recent update to the prospect rankings from MLB Pipeline features a few of Atlanta's most recent draft picks in the top five. This is extremely encouraging for the future, and it should have fans very excited.
The top 5 is a nice mix of pitching and position players. For a while, pitching was the only notable thing about the Braves' minor league system. However, the glaring need for position players has forced the organization to course correct.
Let's check out the updated rankings below, starting with the top five.
Here are the updated MLB prospect rankings for the Braves
1. Cam Caminiti (LHP)
2. JR Ritchie (RHP)
3. Tate Southisene (SS/OF)
4. Alex Lodise (SS)
5. Briggs McKenzie (LHP)
Caminiti has really impressed this season between rookie ball and Low-A Augusta. He has a 3.67 ERA over 49 innings with 17 walks and 66 strikeouts. It makes sense why the lefty would be ranked number one with the impressive outings he's had since being drafted in 2024.
Ritchie was drafted in 2022, but he has really emerged this year with a 2.73 ERA across three levels. He even started the MLB Futures Game in Atlanta. However, the biggest change on this list features three of Atlanta's top draft picks from this year.
Southisene and Lodise have the potential to be the shortstops of the future for the Braves. Lodise has gotten some attention for his early success with the Rome Emperors. Southisene and McKenzie are both with the FCL Bravess right now as they are still young and need some time to develop.
6. Nacho Alvarez Jr. (INF)
7. Hurston Waldrep (RHP)
8. Garrett Baumann (RHP)
9. Didier Fuentes (RHP)
10. Owen Murphy (RHP)
Three of these prospects have seen action at the MLB level this year (Alvarez, Waldrep, and Fuentes). Fuentes wasn't quite ready for the big leagues, but you can see the potential. Waldrep has done a great job fixing his mechanics and should get a chance to finish the season in the rotation.
Alvarez has been fine in his time covering third base for Austin Riley. He's not been great offensively, but he has done a great job defensively. Baumann has tossed 91 innings for High-A Rome with a 4.05 ERA, 24 walks, and 85 strikeouts. Murphy has returned from Tommy John and picked up right where he left off. He will be in Double-A before the season is over.
That's where most of the changes took place. The remaining list can be seen here. Atlanta has a lot of great up-and-coming talent that fans need to keep an eye on.