Over the past four years the Atlanta Braves farm system has consistently ranked in the bottom third of the league across most major publications. Despite the shared thoughts about the lack of talent in Atlanta's system, the Braves have continued to churn out quality major leaguers over the past few seasons.
The latest farm system grades from Baseball America offers similar musings on Atlanta's system overall, but it also acknowledges that numerous intriguing arms are rising through the ranks quickly. Some pitchers you will have heard of, others may not have been on your radar quite yet. Let's take a look at what the fine folks over at Baseball America think about Atlanta's farm system.
Baseball America gives the Braves "C" in latest farm system grades
Lacking in starpower, the Braves earning their middle of the road grade should speak to the respect BA has for Atlanta's ability to develop minor leaguers who don't get a ton of the fanfare on Top 100 prospect lists. Baseball America mentioned as much when they pointed out guys like Hurston Waldrep, AJ Smith-Shawver, and Drake Baldwin as recent success stories who have graduated from their status as prospects.
Didier Fuentes and JR Ritchie were listed as Atlanta's breakout prospects this season after each put together quality 2025 campaigns. Ritchie just entered MLB Pipeline's Top 100 prospects list, and is dominating Triple-A in such a fashion that many fans expect him to push for a rotation spot next spring.
Slightly more under the radar, Cam Caminiti was mentioned as someone who booster their stock in 2025 - albeit in the lower levels of the Braves system. Overall, Baseball America was pretty glowing in their review of Atlanta's pitching depth in the farm. However, where Atlanta falls short (and earns their C) is the lack of impact bats in the system.
This assessment is more than fair, and hopefully the Braves are poised to add an impact when they are drafting in the upper third of the draft for the first time since 2018. An additional first round pick if Baldwin were to win NL Rookie of the Year would go a long way as well. However, Atlanta's impactful position players may end up coming from the international free agents they signed in the past few IFA signing periods. Hopefully a few of those IFA guys can raise their stock and eventually earn Atlanta a more favorable grade in future farm system grading lists.