Like many teams, the Atlanta Braves have held on to prospects too long in the past, to the point that their value plummeted. A quick glance at their top prospect rankings in recent years reveals names like Drue Hackenberg, Cade Kuehler, Jhancarlos Lara, and Nacho Alvarez Jr., who went from intriguing minor leaguers to footnotes while waiting for a lasting opportunity on the Braves' big-league roster. For a team that likes to min-max how they operate, the practice is tremendously inefficient.
Heading into 2027, the Braves once again have a group of prospects that should either get a shot at the majors soon, or the team should simply move on and cash in what value they can. One such prospect is RHP Garrett Baumann, who, while possessing an intriguing blend of stuff, is a guy who is running out of time to convince the Braves he can actually help them.
Garrett Baumann needs to show the Braves that he is more than just potential
On paper, Baumann has a lot going for him. He has a massive 6'8 frame that makes teams wonder if triple-digit velocity could eventually come without compromising Baumann's durability. Both his four-seam fastball and sinker have made strides as a pro, with his sinker in particular being really good at inducing ground balls from opposing hitters. Combine that with a strikeout rate that averages about a batter an inning, and you have a real prospect.
The problem is Baumann's control took a step backwards in 2026, and his other offerings outside of his fastball are lacking. Baumann's splitter is a relatively new addition to his arsenal, and it does get some swing-and-miss, but it is still inconsistent when it comes to getting guys to chase. His slider has also not progressed the way the Braves hoped, and he struggles to land the pitch for strikes when he needs to.
The result is a talented arm that walks too many batters and is about to repeat at Triple-A after posting a 7.48 ERA in 10 starts there in 2026. If Baumann comes into camp and shows crisper command and a workable breaking ball, he could easily force his way into a call-up to the majors. If not, the Braves would be best served to include Baumann in a trade package to a team that thinks they can fix him or, at minimum, thinks he could be a useful reliever.
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