3 surging Atlanta Braves prospects who could make their MLB debut in 2024
These prospects could be next up for the Atlanta Braves at some point this season.
Across the 2024 Atlanta Braves season so far, the organization has already seen a few prospects get called up to make their MLB debut, as well as a few stick around at the major league level to make an impact. A few examples of this included Spencer Schwellenbach and Grant Holmes, while 2023 first-round pick Hurston Waldrep has also made his MLB debut this season.
However, could any other names from the organization potentially join those three across the rest of the 2024 season? If so, here is a prediction as to three names who could be next in line to join that group.
NOTE: Prospect rankings according to MLB Pipeline
Predicting the next Atlanta Braves prospects to make their MLB debut
Nacho Alvarez Jr., Shortstop
The Braves sixth-best prospect, Alvarez has only continued to rake since being promoted to Triple-A back on June 12 after batting .265 over 48 games at Double-A Mississippi. He was making good contact but there was a lack of power. However, that all changed once he was promoted to Gwinnett slashing .320/.402/.544 with six home runs, 22 RBI, five stolen bases, and a .946 OPS across 24 games. Due to the offensive struggles of Orlando Arcia at the big league level, combined with the continued success of Alvarez in Triple-A Gwinnett, it only feels like a matter of time until we see the former fifth-round pick in Atlanta.
Drake Baldwin, Catcher
Similar to Alvarez previously, Drake Baldwin, the Braves 11th ranked prospect, has also continued to hit at an elite level since being promoted to Triple-A on June 12. He has a line of .309/.440/.532 across 24 games with six home runs and 17 RBI, while also sporting a notable 15:22 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
However, Baldwin, who could be a potential trade candidate for Atlanta at the deadline, does not have as clear of a path to the major leagues due to the presence of Sean Murphy and Travis d'Arnaud, but could still easily get the call at some point in 2024 if he keeps hitting the way he is.
Luis De Avila, Left-Handed Pitcher
We conclude our list of the next Braves prospects who could be called up with Luis De Avila. De Avila is Atlanta's 20th-ranked prospect and he has spent the entirety of the season in Double-A Mississippi. The left-hander sports a 3.65 ERA and 70:37 strikeout-to-walk ratio across 86.1 IP, which is also 16 starts. A player who has struggled with walks at times during his career, De Avila only has one start at the Triple-A level to his name, and he will likely spend time there later this season before a potential MLB call-up.
The Braves have slowly built back up the strength of their farm system and fans are starting to see some of that talent bloom. With the trade deadline approaching, these things could always change but it's nice to see Atlanta has talent waiting in the wings.