Spencer Strider’s rehab assignment may be garnered attention on Tuesday night, but it’s far from the only storyline unfolding in the Atlanta Braves’ minor league system. The High-A Rome Emperors delivered an offensive showcase, fueled by a rapidly ascending prospect who orchestrated the surge at the plate.
Eric Hartman (Braves’ No. 20 prospect) delivered a historic performance on Tuesday, homering three times and reaching base safely in all six of his plate appearances. Hartman finished a perfect 5-for-5 with a walk, but it was the impact power that drew the most attention from evaluators—potentially further accelerating his already rapid rise up prospect rankings.
Hartman flourished in his first professional season a year ago, but his early success in 2026 has further elevated his ceiling. Following Tuesday’s breakout performance, the 19-year-old Canadian owns a .310/.365/.724 slash line, generating more buzz around his profile than ever before.
1st inning: Eric Hartman homer.
— Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) April 22, 2026
3rd inning: Eric Hartman homer!
9th inning: ERIC HARTMAN HOMER!
The @Braves prospect delivers @GoEmperors' first 3-homer game in at least two decades 🐧 pic.twitter.com/FwpOo6DBEA
Eric Hartman's hot start in 2026 should send him soaring up Braves prospect lists
Entering the season, Hartman was already regarded as one of the fastest players in the organization. The former 20th-round pick went 48-for-54 in stolen base attempts last year, with elite athleticism evident throughout his game. However, since the start of spring, he has consistently produced impressive exit velocities, adding a new dimension to his profile and opening the door to truly impact prospect status.
Hartman hit five home runs across 89 games last season; after Tuesday’s outburst, he already has six through his first 14 games of 2026. The organization’s hot start clearly extends beyond the Major League roster, as Rome has assembled a lineup well worth following on a nightly basis. At the center of it all, Hartman appears poised to be a key catalyst for much of the 2026 campaign.
For years, the Braves have been perceived as an organization lacking in high-end positional prospect depth. However, Hartman’s rapid ascent—alongside emerging talents such as Tate Southisene, Cody Miller, and others—offers renewed optimism that the club can sustain its position atop the NL East for years to come.
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