Here are the Braves prospects most likely to win Rookie of the Year in the future

The Atlanta Braves’ prospect development system has been a strength for decades. Homegrown talent fueled Atlanta’s 2021 World Series run as much as it did the 1990s division title stretch. Lately, the Braves have moved from strong player development into dominance.

No other MLB team has won as many Rookie of the Year Awards over the past decade, and there could be more on the way if these three players break out.

The Braves could extend their Rookie of the Year success with these up-and-coming prospects

Starting pitcher JR Ritchie

The rise of JR Ritchie has been a long time coming. The right-hander has been in the Braves’ system since being drafted in the first round in 2022, but he has just 47 appearances under his belt (26 of those coming in 2025). Atlanta’s decision to slow-roll him after Tommy John surgery in 2023 seems to be paying off. He adjusted well to Triple-A last year, posting a 3.02 ERA, and earned an invite to big-league camp.

The combination of Ritchie’s strong spring (0.875 WHIP) and the rampant injuries to the starting rotation should pave the way for his debut in mid-2026. The injuries could also open up enough innings for Ritchie to make a sizable contribution and position himself for the ROY. He needs a bit more polish, as evidenced by the five walks he has issued in eight innings this spring. The Braves’ patience with his health and development, though, should help Ritchie have a better transition to the majors than fellow top prospect Didier Fuentes had last season.

Shortstop John Gil

The Braves are known as a pitching factory, but they have amassed enviable shortstop depth at the lower levels over the past few years. This spring, one shortstop prospect has stood out from the rest: 19-year-old John Gil. Gil’s speed and defense had been his calling card in past seasons, but he has demonstrated real pop in Grapefruit League play. The fact that he’s stuck around camp to this point, surviving three rounds of cuts and outlasting fellow shortstop prospect Alex Lodise, speaks to the Braves’ faith in the young infielder. It’ll take a couple of years for Gil to fill out, hone his skill, and make the Majors, but the Braves’ needs at shortstop and third base could accelerate his rise.

Outfielder Diego Tornes

If we’re playing the long game here, outfielder Diego Tornes is the name to watch. Not only have outfielders taken home 10 of the past 24 Rookie of the Year Awards (including the NL and AL), the Braves could possibly be in search of an impact outfielder around the time Tornes hits the upper levels of the Minors due to the end of Ronald Acuña Jr.’s contract following 2028.

There’s a lot to like in Tornes. At just 17, he already stands 6’2” and could fill out to add even more power to his game. He seemed to have a power-speed profile not dissimilar to Acuña. If he hits his ceiling, the Braves could be looking at ROY winner to kick off the 2030s.