When taking a look back at the 2023 MLB Draft class for the Atlanta Braves, what were some names that stuck out to you most?
Well, likely the obvious answer is likely first round pick Hurston Waldrep, who quickly rose throughout the Braves minor league system a year ago, and is currently pitching in Double-A. Other names could also include the likes of Cade Kuehler and Drue Hackenburg, both of which are also enjoying strong starts to the 2024 season in their own right, as well as potentially a few others.
However, what about Garrett Baumann, a name who is also making noise early-on in his professional career as well?
Atlanta Braves prospect Garrett Baumann enjoying strong start to professional career
Atlanta's No. 23 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, Baumann was also selected by the Braves in the 2023 MLB Draft, taken in the fourth round out of Hagerty High School in Florida.
A right-handed pitcher, Baumann would go on to sign with Atlanta after the draft, and even made his professional debut in limited action a year ago by making one start with Low-A Augusta. However, as mentioned previously, it would come in limited action, as he pitched only two innings with a 4.50 ERA and a 1:2 K:BB ratio.
Fast forward to this season however, and Baumann has so far enjoyed a strong start to 2024 as well, which has come at the Low-A level with the Augusta GreenJackets once again.
Up to this point, Baumann has made six starts for Augusta so far this season where he owns a 3-0 record with a 2.18 ERA and 23:9 K:BB ratio. Across those 33 IP, opponents are also batting for a combined .188 AVG against Baumann, with the right-hander owning a 0.94 WHIP as well.
For his professional career as well, Baumann has certainly impressed at times across his first seven starts, owning a combined 3-0 record with a 2.31 ERA, 24:11 K:BB ratio, and a .185 AVG against over 35 IP.
So, will Baumann continue this level of play into the summer months? Time will tell, but one thing is for sure. If he does, then the right-hander will become a name to know in the Atlanta Braves minor league system.