Prospects develop at varying rates, and this is especially true for pitching prospects. However, there comes a time when the prospect clock starts ticking, and it is time to see if your young players can contribute at the Major League level. The Atlanta Braves have an example of this in 25-year-old pitcher Blake Burkhalter.
Burkhalter is the organization’s 11th-ranked prospect and reached the Triple-A level last season. The former Auburn Tiger has earned dual promotions in each of the last two seasons, with promising results at every stop. However, the 2022 second-round pick is approaching what feels like a make-or-break season—one in which the Braves may need to determine exactly what they have in the pitching prospect.
Just saw this awesome new prospect analytics page (@ProspectSavant). Now I can more easily show you all in a more data driven way just why I’m so high on particular pitchers.
— Gaurav (@gvedak) July 15, 2025
Not only does Blake Burkhalter pass the eye test, he passes the data test too. pic.twitter.com/xOwCbek6lO
Why 2026 feels like the time for the Braves to promote Blake Burkhalter
Earlier this offseason, fans worried Burkhalter might be selected in the Rule 5 Draft. Thankfully, that did not come to fruition, and he remains in the organization. However, that should not dampen the sense of urgency the Braves’ front office must have when evaluating Burkhalter in 2026.
The best course of action would be to let Burkhalter begin the 2026 season in Triple-A, where he finished last season with 31 innings pitched. In those innings, he posted a 3.77 ERA, and showcased signs of being close to Major League ready. Where Burkhalter needs to improve is his command, as he issued 45 walks across 103 innings last year.
The Major League pitching staff is far from set in stone, and while the bullpen appears fortified, the summer months will almost certainly create opportunities for promotions. As long as Burkhalter isn’t overly wild this spring, he should be among the first arms called upon when Atlanta’s depth is inevitably tested.
Burkhalter will be 25 years old for most of the 2026 season, an age when prospect status begins to wear thin. It’s not an absolute do-or-die year for Burkhalter, but it is important that he continues to ascend. Should his trajectory stall or slip, there’s a strong chance he could be bypassed by other Braves pitching prospects and find himself in a different organization by season’s end. Let's hope Burkhalter is up for the challenge, and pitches himself into Atlanta's plans in 2026.