5 Atlanta Braves prospects enjoying impressive starts to 2024 season
This group of Atlanta Braves prospects are off to strong starts to the season.
It's impressive the amount of talent the Braves have built up after promoting and trading a lot of the prospect capital they had. Now, they are in a favorable position with the number of budding prospects at each level of the minor leagues.
While the majority of attention across the Atlanta Braves organization right now is at the major league level, there are some players in the minors worth looking at. As we look at each level, there are a few prospects in particular who are off to impressive starts to the 2024 season. Even despite a smaller sample size, these five are among the most notable so far.
NOTE: Stats included are current as of Wednesday, April 10 - Prospect rankings according to MLB Pipeline
5 Atlanta Braves prospects enjoying strong starts to 2024 season
Nacho Alvarez Jr.
While it is certainly a shorter sample size, Nacho Alvarez Jr., the Braves No. 6 overall prospect, is off to an impressive start in what is his first-ever action at the Double-A level. Across four games, Alvarez is slashing .385/.556/.462 (5-for-13) with two RBI and two stolen bases, while also having drawn five walks to only two strikeouts.
Alvarez having a great season would be wonderful as he could be a very big part of the Braves lineup in the next couple of years. He is the prospect you definitely need to keep an eye on.
Diego Benitez
Atlanta's No. 19 prospect is getting his first action at the Low-A level and has certainly impressed across a limited sample size so far. Across four games, Benitez is slashing .286/.375/.429 (4-for-14) with two RBI.
Diego Benitez with a first inning triple for @GreenJackets pic.twitter.com/j0V8TLZ1gp
— Gaurav (@gvedak) April 9, 2024
However, if there is one knock against the shortstop it's that he has made six errors on the season for the GreenJackets and that was accumulated over two games. He could see a position change if that continues but his offense looks like it's on the right track.
Sabin Ceballos
Ceballos, the Braves No. 18 prospect, is enjoying a strong start to his first action at the High-A level, slashing .273/.429/.364 (3-for-11) across three games. The former third-round pick also has one SB, while also having drawn one walk.
Atlanta hopes he can improve his power numbers a bit and his plate discipline has improved a bit which has led to early results. The third base prospect isn't knowing for having the best range so he may see a position change during his time in the organization but for now, he will man the hot corner.
Owen Murphy
Atlanta's No. 5 prospect has made one start so far this season with High-A Rome. Across that start, the right-hander owns a 1-0 record with a 0.00 ERA and an 8:1 K/BB ratio across 6.2 IP, while also holding opponents to a combined .087 AVG against.
When in Rome, strike 'em out 💥
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) April 6, 2024
No. 5 @Braves prospect Owen Murphy recorded eight punchouts over 6 2/3 innings for the @GoEmperors on High-A Opening Day: pic.twitter.com/vW8TEX0Nix
Murphy doesn't have a lot of velocity or spin on his pitches so he relies on a great pitch mix and changing speeds to get batters out. Things look promising early on and hopefully, he can reach the potential the Braves believe he has.
Spencer Schwellenbach
After seeing limited action a year ago in High-A Rome after returning from Tommy John surgery, Schwellenbach has resumed his time with the Rome Emperors with an impressive first start of the year. The Braves' No. 3 prospect is currently 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA and a 3:0 K/BB ratio across six innings, while also holding opponents to a combined .158 average against.
Spencer Schwellenbach (@Braves No. 3) strikes out his third batter over six scoreless innings in his season debut for the @GoEmperors. pic.twitter.com/0lIpd5ZN6X
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) April 7, 2024
He is part of a nice rotation that includes Owen Murphy and Drue Hackenberg. Rome has a nice thing going with some talented prospects and if you get the chance, you should go see them in person. Spencer Schwellenbach has a great mid-90s fastball and pairs it with a plus slider. He will likely advance levels this season if he keeps up the early success.
Will these five Atlanta Braves prospects now continue their strong starts to the year as we approach mid-April? That remains to be seen as the season is very long but things are looking great early on. The Braves are very lucky to have so much talent stockpiled for the future.
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