Latest Baseball America update snubs underrated Braves prospect from top 30 list

Baseball America has recently dropped their updated Top 30 lists for every organization. While the Braves don't possess the most star-studded farm system, they have quite a few names that are worth monitoring. However, this updated list from BA has one glaring omission.

Up and coming arm somehow left off Braves top 30

The list, as usual, is very strong as the people over at Baseball America are absolutely fantastic at what they do. To no surprise, AJ Smith-Shawver retained his spot as the top Braves prospect while also returning from the injured list, what a day for him, while fellow Atlanta pitcher Spencer Schwellenbach moves up to the second spot.

One of the biggest new editions has been Jeremy Reyes, who has been highlighted by us as a young player to watch, but the player that has somehow escaped the list has been 19 year-old Didier Fuentes.

Fuentes, who has been a pretty regular addition to the weekly prospect recaps, has had a sensational 2024 season that has more than earned an addition to any Top 30 list. Fuentes has appeared in 13 games, making 12 starts, and thrown 55.2 innings with a 2.26 ERA, and spectacular 11 K/9 and 2.6 BB/9 rates. He's looked far advanced for his level, while facing talent that averages three years older than him. Just last week, Didier shut out the Columbia Fireflires - striking out nine while walking none and not allowing a single run.

Fuentes mainly gets it done with a pair of pitches, a low-to-mid 90s fastball with fantastic run, and a sharp slider that dives away from right handers. His changeup is still developing, but if/once that becomes average it will help neutralize left handed hitters. One thing remains certain, in my mind, Fuentes will find his way into that list by the start of next season and will be a player to watch within the system.