As we enter the 2023 season in the coming days, there are obviously many names to watch for in the minor leagues of the Atlanta Braves system, some of which are likely more well-known than others.
Well, one of those names that you likely haven't much of before is Luis De Avila, a left-handed pitcher who is currently the Braves No. 30 overall prospect according to MLB Pipeline. Yes, De Avila has not necessarily been talked about as much as some of the other names in Atlanta's system, but make no mistake, the left-hander is certainly a name to know as we enter the 2023 season.
Atlanta Braves prospect Luis De Avila is a name to know entering 2023
A former international free agent signing in 2017, De Avila originally began his professional career in the Colorado Rockies organization, owning a combined 6.16 ERA across 30.2 IP in the DSL during the 2018 season. De Avila would however not pitch for the Rockies again due to a 72-game suspension in 2019, and would later sign with the Kansas City Royals, going on to post a 4.99 ERA across 57.2 IP in 2021 after no 2020 minor league season.
De Avila would however make his way to the Braves organization prior to the 2022 season, as the left-hander was selected by Atlanta in the minor league phase of that year's Rule 5 Draft. After joining the Braves, De Avila would enjoy a big breakout 2022 season a year ago, one in which the southpaw moved back to a full-time starter after spending 2021 as a reliever.
Across 126.1 IP, which translated to 24 starts, De Avila would post a 6-8 record with a 3.49 ERA and 129:45 K:BB ratio, all of which came with High-A Rome. Leading the South Atlantic League in multiple statistical categories, De Avila would also allow a combined .241 batting average against.
Still only 21 years old as well, De Avila is certainly a name to watch for as we enter the 2023 season, with the left-hander likely set to begin the year in Double-A MIssissippi.