Braves' Next Wave of Arms Starting to Take Shape

Always have to keep some hats. (Braves Chop Report Stock Photo)

(Story based on reporting from Mark Bowman, Braves beat writer for MLB.com)

With AJ Smith-Shawver now firmly planted in the big leagues, Braves fans might be wondering: Who's next up?

The early part of the 2025 season has offered a glimpse at a new group of pitching prospects hoping to follow Smith-Shawver’s path to Truist Park. Some have hit a few bumps, others are starting to turn heads, but make no mistake, the Braves' pipeline is still flowing strong. Here’s a quick tour through how things are shaping up, thanks to a breakdown from MLB.com's Mark Bowman.

Cam Caminiti (No. 2 prospect) Scottsdale, AZ

First stop: Cam Caminiti, the Braves’ 2024 first-round pick. The 18-year-old lefty hasn’t taken the mound in a Minor League game yet after dealing with some arm soreness in spring training. No need to panic — the Braves are playing the long game, carefully bringing him along at extended spring camp. His pro debut could be just around the corner so be on the lookout for the young prospect. 

Hurston Waldrep (No. 3 prospect) Cairo, GA, University of Florida

Next up is Hurston Waldrep, who made plenty of noise after being drafted last summer. His first few Triple-A starts? A little rocky. Waldrep’s ERA sits at 6.04, and he's struggled with command — walking almost as many batters as he’s striking out. Still, that devastating splitter hasn’t gone anywhere. Some scouts even wonder if his future could be in a high-leverage bullpen role, where his stuff could really shine.

Drue Hackenberg (No. 5 prospect) Lehighton, PA, Virginia Tech

Over at Double-A, Drue Hackenberg has had a bit of an up-and-down ride. After some promising outings, he was roughed up for 10 hits and 8 runs in just four innings his last time out. It’s worth mentioning he was on a funky schedule due to a rainout, but still, the Braves are hoping to see more consistency from the 23-year-old righty soon.

Owen Murphy (No. 6 prospect) Chicago, IL

Owen Murphy fans will have to stay patient a little longer. The 2022 first-round pick is working his way back from Tommy John surgery. No rush though as the Braves want him at full strength before throwing him back into game action.

JR Ritchie (No. 7 prospect) Seattle, WA

Now here’s a good story: JR Ritchie is quietly doing some good work for High-A Rome. Through four starts, he's pitched to a tidy 2.57 ERA and is holding hitters to a .181 batting average. His strikeout numbers aren’t crazy yet, but he’s showing the polish that made him a first-round pick two years ago.

Garrett Baumann (No. 8 prospect) Oviedo, FL

Standing at 6-foot-8, Garrett Baumann is tough to miss — and he’s starting to put it together, too. After some early command issues, Baumann has issued just two walks over his past three outings. His latest gem? Six scoreless innings against Winston-Salem. If he keeps finding the strike zone, watch out.

Lucas Braun (No. 10 prospect) Santa Monica, CA, Cal State Northridge

If you’re looking for an under-the-radar breakout, Lucas Braun might be your guy. A 2023 sixth-round pick, Braun is carving up Double-A hitters with a 3.00 ERA, 26 strikeouts, and just two walks in 24 innings. That kind of command has gotten the Braves' front office buzzing and he’s very much on the radar for a move up.

Didier Fuentes (No. 11 prospect) Tolu, Colombia

And then there’s Didier Fuentes, the 19-year-old flamethrower who might just be the best pitching prospect in the system. His big performance came in the Braves Spring Breakout game against the Tigers where he pitched three innings only allowing one hit and striking out seven batters of the 10 he faced. After dominating for Rome, Fuentes earned a quick promotion to Double-A. His first outing in last night's contest against the Chattanooga Lookouts was a little bumpy, but with a fastball that’s already been lighting up radar guns and some electric strikeout stuff, he’s a name Braves fans should definitely get familiar with. 

Bottom Line: Next Wave Looks Promising

It hasn’t all been smooth sailing, but there’s a lot to like about the Braves' next wave of young pitchers. From the steady rise of Ritchie and Braun to the high-ceiling promise of Fuentes and Caminiti, the future on the mound looks bright in Atlanta even if a little bit wild at times for the young guys.

So buckle up. The next wave of young stars are coming to Atlanta, and it could be closer than you think.

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