Even despite the Atlanta Braves in the midst of a chase for the 2024 postseason, it's never too-early to begin looking ahead to next year, right?
In 2025, the Braves roster will once again be among the best in baseball, headlined by familiar names such as Acuña Jr., Olson, Strider, and more. However, there will likely also be a few new names in that group as well, which could come from both in-and-outside the organization.
Taking a look at the former, here are three Atlanta Braves prospects who are quickly forcing their way into the organization's 2025 plans due to their on-field play this season.
NOTE: All prospect rankings mentioned are according to MLB Pipeline
Hurston Waldrep among Atlanta Braves prospects who could make an impact in 2025
Hurston Waldrep, Right-Handed Pitcher
We begin with one of the more obvious name on this list in Waldrep, who is likely set to join the major league rotation next season for good after making his MLB debut earlier this year.
Waldrep's first full professional season, the right-hander has so far made 13 starts across multiple minor league levels in which he owns a combined 4.06 ERA and 70:25 K:BB ratio across 62 IP, with a majority of those appearances having come at Double-A Mississippi. As for his MLB debut that was mentioned above, Waldrep has made two starts for the Braves this season, but struggled to own a 16.71 ERA and 3:8 K:BB ratio over seven IP.
FIRST major league strikeout for Hurston Waldrep!#BravesCountry pic.twitter.com/xfa4c86WMF
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) June 9, 2024
The Braves No. 2 prospect, Waldrep could very easily join the MLB roster at some point in the near future as well, but is almost certain to factor into the club's 2025 rotation plans. Simply put, Atlanta's 2023 first round pick will feature significantly in 2025.
Nacho Alvarez Jr., Shortstop
A player who just recently made his MLB debut, the Braves could take a look at the shortstop position this offseason, which is where Alvarez, the club's No. 5 prospect, is arguably Atlanta's most intriguing internal option at the minor league level.
Atlanta's top position player prospect, Alvarez is in the midst of a stellar stretch with Triple-A Gwinnett that dates back to mid-June in which he has slashed .325/.437/.556 across 32 games with seven HR, 26 RBI, and six SB, while also boasting a 23:22 K:BB ratio. Because of this, Alvarez was called-up by the Braves to make his MLB debut when needed, but struggled by going 3-for-30 with 10 strikeouts.
Looking ahead to 2025, the Braves still have Orlando Arcia under team control through 2026, but with his struggles at times this season, could decide to look at other options at shortstop. If they go via an internal route to do that, then a MLB-ready Alvarez might just be the best option.
Drake Baldwin, Catcher
Yes, the Atlanta Braves have one of baseball's top catching duos in Sean Murphy and Travis d'Arnaud, but they also have a prospect at the position in Baldwin who is firmly knocking on the door of the big leagues.
Boasting a .753 OPS across 89 games this season, Baldwin, Atlanta's No. 10 prospect, has truly taken off since his promotion to Triple-A Gwinnett in mid-June, slashing .287/.411/.476 with seven HR and 23 RBI across 37 games since. Also representing Atlanta in the MLB Futures Game over the All-Star break, Baldwin has also shown improvement at the plate since that move to Gwinnett as well, striking out only 29 times as compared to drawing 30 walks.
A name who will likely be major league ready going into next season, it will be intriguing to see what the Braves do with Baldwin this offseason. Will they give the former third round pick a chance in the big leagues, or could they make Baldwin available via a trade in order to add to the roster elsewhere?