Pitchers to keep an eye on this Spring for Atlanta
We will save the big surprise listing for the end of this section who first jumps out at you is Atlanta's #2 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, Hurston Waldrep, who apparently wanted everyone to know immediately he was drafted far too late as he worked his way up to Triple-A after seven total starts.
Hurston possesses a fantastic fastball, slider, and curveball and one of the best splitters in recent memory. His splitter is so good it has earned him many comparisons to former Brave and current Blue Jay, Kevin Gausman. Couple that pitch with continued improved command this season and fans will see Hurston battling for a big league spot sooner than later.
Coming up next we have intriguing relief prospect Hayden Harris. A local guy, born in Augusta and having gone to Georgia Southern, Hayden was a free agent signing back in 2022. All Hayden has done is absolutely shove - with a 16.2 K/9 in A-ball, 14.63 K/9 in A+ ball, and 12.86 K/9 at Double-A Mississippi. While the walk rate spiked up a bit while at Mississippi (4.37 BB/9), he is a strong Spring away from being one of the first arms called up for Atlanta.
Footage of newly signed #Braves reliever Ken Giles' workout for scouts last week.
— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) February 2, 2024
He'll be in camp with Atlanta and looking to get his career back on track after four years of setbacks.pic.twitter.com/fLuYzg2q2R
Lastly was the casual announcement of Ken Giles coming to Braves camp. As stated above, Ken Giles was one of the best overall relief options in Major League Baseball from pretty much 2014 to 2019. He has amassed a career ERA of 2.71, an FIP of 2.46, and a career K/9 of 12.26. Ken, unfortunately, had to undergo Tommy John surgery which saw him miss most of 2020, and 2021. He has pitched mostly in the minors since.