Atlanta Braves Prospect Report: Augusta Greenjackets Edition

We know how the Atlanta Braves are doing, but how are things going down on the farm? How about we take a look at some of the Braves minor leaguers, starting with those down in Augusta!

Prospect rankings based on MLB Pipeline.

Owen Murphy

Currently ranked number 2 in the Braves system, Owen Murphy is putting together numbers to justify that high ranking. The first-round pick in 2022 now has a 2.82 ERA, 2.95 FIP, and 3.53 xFIP across 6 starts (22.1 IP) for the Greenjackets.

Murphy is currently striking out 30.2% of batters and walking 7.3%. There is the belief that Murphy could develop a solid four-pitch mix as he develops but mostly relies on his fastball/breaking ball combo as of now.

His last start on the 19th was the first time he threw 5 innings this year, allowing just 1 run (HR) on just 3 hits. He struck out 5 and walked no one. The Braves can be patient with Murphy, and we will probably see him stay in Augusta for most of 2022, although Rome is not out of the question if he continues to perform.

With the last name being Murphy, he is bound for success in Atlanta, right?

J.R. Ritchie

The Braves' third-ranked prospect also came to the organization in last year's first round. J.R. Ritchie's ERA sits at 5.40 through 4 starts (13.1 IP), which is never a welcome site. However, the peripherals sit at a 0.82 FIP and 1.56 xFIP, suggesting it has been some bad luck over the small sample.

Minor league defenses give and minor league defenses will take I suppose.

On an impressive note, Ritchie has struck out 25 of 53 batters (47.2%) and walked just 3 (5.7%). He has a solid fastball but the breaking pitches are considered advanced for his age. There is potential to develop into something special if things go well for Ritchie.

Now for the bad news, he has not pitched since May 6th due to injury.

Elbows are always concerning. Once we know more, we will be sure to update you here on our site. Hopefully, it is nothing significant.

Spencer Schwellenbach

Remember Spencer Schwellenbach? The 2021 second-round pick finally made his organizational debut this year. After being drafted, it was revealed he would miss time due to surgery.

It is nice to finally see Schwellenbach (7th-ranked prospect) get in some game action. After 7 starts, 20.2 IP, he sports a 1.74 ERA, 3.65 FIP, and 4.42 xFIP. He is only striking out 19.0% of batters and walking 9.5%, which is not ideal.

There is some concern that he is not missing many bats, especially considering he is 23 and much older than a lot of his competition in A-ball. On the other hand, he is working his way back from a lengthy injury and might not be fully comfortable.

I imagine the Braves will want to get him to a higher level soon seeing as he is older but they also probably will not want to rush him due to the recent injury. He is one to keep an eye on and we might want to ignore some of the stats as he continues to work his way back.

Ambioris Tavarez

Shortstop is still a fun topic for discussion around the Atlanta Braves, right? While Orlando Arcia has won the job and doing a tremendous job in 2023, there is still a question of who will be the long-term shortstop in Atlanta.

Ambioris Tavarez, currently the Braves 9th ranked prospect, is one of the few in-house options that could potentially take over at short in a few years with the right development. Defensively, he looks like he could stick at the position as he continues to age. Some describe his game as "smooth." Shortstop is not an easy position defensively, so hopefully this holds true and he can stick there defensively.

The most significant question mark is going to be his bat. He will have to show something with the stick and that has just not happened yet. Over 163 plate appearances, Tavarez is hitting .184/.288/.284 1 HR, 12 R, 11 RBI, 6 SB, .290 wOBA, & 70 wRC+. This includes an 8.6% walk rate and 42.9% strikeout rate.

Not ideal. Now, Tavarez is still only 19, so there is time for the bat to come around. The Braves can be patient with him and let him work through the kinks in Augusta for all of 2023.

Seth Keller

The sixth-round pick in the 2022 draft, Seth Keller currently ranks as the Braves 20th prospect. Keller is pitching well in Augusta, through 6 games (2 starts), he has pitched to a 1.17 ERA, 3.02 FIP, and 3.76 xFIP over 23 IP. While Keller has not started every game, it is important to note that he has pitched 3 innings in every outing. So he is getting a good bit of work with each appearance.

Keller is currently striking out 25.6% and walking 3.5%. He is showing solid potential and justifying the Braves' decision to go well over-slot for him in the sixth round. He has a fastball that can reach the mid-90s, with a solid changeup as well. There is hope his slider will continue to develop as well.

There is questions on if he will be able to handle a full starters workload in the future, but the Braves can be patient with the young pitcher and bring him along at his pace. The hope is he could continue to add strength and athleticism as he ages, meaning the potential is there for him to turn into a steal in the 6th round.

My best guess is he will likely spend most, if not all, of the year in Augusta.