Atlanta’s Top Prospects On Display in Arizona Fall League

The Atlanta Braves may have seen their 2024 season end early in the wild-card round, but the action isn't over for some of their top young talents. Seven Braves prospects are showcasing their skills in the Arizona Fall League (AFL) with the Peoria Javelinas, offering a glimpse into the organization's future. The AFL offers a chance to see who could impact the big stage in the coming years. Let's break down who's representing the Braves and how they've fared so far.

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Catcher Drake Baldwin has been nothing short of impressive. In four games, he's hitting .375 with a monster 1.099 OPS. He's already racked up five runs, a double, a home run, and three RBIs. He's showing that he's not only consistent at the plate but also capable of delivering power. Baldwin's early numbers suggest he could develop into a solid offensive force behind the plate—something every team craves.

David McCabe has been making his mark on the infield in the two games he's played. With a .333 average and a .844 OPS, McCabe has contributed a double, a run scored, and a walk. While his sample size is small, he's showing promising signs of a hitter with potential.

The Braves have five pitching prospects in the Arizona Fall League, and their results have been mixed so far. Overall, the group has combined for a 5.54 ERA and a 1.92 WHIP across 13 innings, with 25 strikeouts. Let's dive into their individual performances.

• Adam Maier has had a rough start, giving up two runs on five hits across two innings, with two walks and three strikeouts. It's early, but he must tighten his command to turn things around.
• Ryan Bourassa is 0-1 after allowing three runs on three hits in two innings. The good news? He hasn't walked anyone and has struck out four, so there's hope for improvement in his next outing.
• Isaac Gallegos has been both impressive and erratic. He's given up just one hit in three innings but allowed two runs due to six walks. The six strikeouts show he's got the stuff to get batters out, but control is clearly an issue.
• Landon Harper has been a bright spot in the bullpen. He hasn't allowed a run in three innings, scattering three hits and striking out six. If he keeps this up, Harper could quickly climb the organizational ladder.
• Hayden Harris has also been solid, pitching three innings and allowing just one run on two hits while walking two and striking out six. His ability to miss bats has been a key highlight of his early outings.

Despite some individual successes, the Peoria Javelinas have struggled as a team. They opened the 2024 AFL season with a 2-5 record. The team will need both the bats and the arms to click if it wants to turn things around, but for Braves fans, the focus is more on the development of these young players rather than the standings.

With the Arizona Fall League still in its early stages, these prospects have plenty of time to continue showcasing their talent. Whether it's Baldwin's hot bat or Harper's steady arm, Braves fans should keep an eye on these players as they might soon be making an impact at the major league level.