When the Atlanta Braves made their signings in the 2023 international free agent cycle, there was one name among that group that stood out among the rest - Luis Guanipa.
Currently the club's number 9 overall prospect according to MLB Pipeline, as well as the organization's top outfield prospect, Guanipa was considered among the Top 50 international prospects for the 2023 cycle out of Venezuela, and signed with Atlanta in January of that year.
The Braves are expected to sign CF Luis Guanipa out of Venezuela tomorrow. Baseball America & Fangraphs view him as a top 10 international prospect. pic.twitter.com/Bdt0mtXcOK
— Trent (@Trenciarte) January 14, 2023
Atlanta Braves prospect Luis Guanipa makes 2024 season debut
With that signing also came a noteworthy amount of excitement surrounding the 18-year-old as well, as Guanipa had four tools that graded at least a 50 on MLB's scale, headlined by his run at a 65.
Looking back at last season, Guanipa's anticipated professional debut came right after that signing, as he appeared in 46 games with the DSL Braves. Over that span, Guanipa showed some flashes slashing .238/.361/.384 with four home runs, 17 RBI, 20 stolen bases, and 11 doubles.
Fast forward to 2024, and Guanipa has made his official season debut, a year that could become a special one for the Braves talented outfield prospect. He has been turning heads so far and this bodes well for Atlanta.
Guanipa's 2024 season debut came back on June 4, but it did not come with the DSL Braves as a year ago. It was with the FCL Braves where he went two-for-three with a pair of singles against the FCL Orioles.
He has also appeared in one other game this season at the time of writing, which came on June 6 against the FCL Twins. In that game, the outfielder went one-for-three with two RBI, one stolen base, and a run scored.
Looking ahead, Guanipa will likely remain at the Rookie Ball level for now, but he will likely see Low-A for the first time at some point this season.