Rising stars for the Atlanta Braves
With Spring Training set to start in late February, each team is filled with hope for a run at a World Series title and fresh faces are ready to make a name for themselves in the majors. After a historic season in 2023, the Atlanta Braves' season fizzled out with a loss to division-rival Philadelphia Phillies in the first round of the playoffs. They will look to put that behind them this season.
Here are three rising stars who will look to make an impact for the Braves in 2024.
Michael Harris II, outfielder
2023 MLB stats: .293/.331/.477, 18 home runs, 57 RBI and 20 stolen bases in 138 games played
The 2022 National League Rookie of the Year award winner, 22-year-old outfielder Michael Harris II is still one of the most underrated players in baseball and is primed to become a household name in 2024.
Batting primarily out of the ninth spot in the Braves' loaded lineup, Harris II still put up another stellar year with the bat while playing Gold Glove-caliber defense in center field.
In his first two seasons in the majors, the center fielder has slashed .295/.334/.494 with 103 extra-base hits, 121 RBI and 40 stolen bases in 252 games played.
Possessing one of the smoothest left-handed swings in the sport, he could very well challenge for a batting title or lead the league in hits if given the proper opportunities.
AJ Smith-Shawver, pitcher
2023 MLB stats: 1-0, 4.26 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 20 strikeouts in 25.1 innings pitched
One of the Braves' top pitching prospects last season, Smith-Shawver made his MLB debut in 2023 and proved that he could compete at the highest level.
While he only appeared in a handful of games, he was able to keep batters guessing at the plate striking out 20 in 25.1 innings pitched.
Posting a 4-2 record with a 2.76 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 79 strikeouts in 62 innings in the minors last season, the Braves will hope that the experience he got in the MLB will translate to a big 2024 season for the young pitcher.
With plenty of veteran pitchers to learn from on the Braves including 40-year-old Charlie Morton and newly-acquired left-hander Chris Sale, Smith-Shawver will have all the knowledge he needs to have a successful career in Atlanta.
Hurston Waldrep, pitcher
2023 MILB stats: 0-1, 1.53 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 41 strikeouts in 29.1 innings pitched
The Braves' first-round pick in last year's draft, pitcher Hurston Waldrep shot through the system and could be knocking on the door for his MLB debut in 2024 after being invited to spring training with the major league club.
Only 21 years old, Waldrep was dominant in the minors last year striking out 41 hitters over 29.2 innings pitched while allowing only five runs scored in four different levels of the minors.
With only one start in Triple-A, he will likely begin the season there barring a major turn of events to gain the experience he will need to be successful at the highest level.
He looks like he could be a major piece to the future in Atlanta after falling into their laps in the 2023 MLB Draft.
While the Braves' rotation is deep, Waldrep is someone who could force his way into a shot at the rotation if he continues his dominance in 2024.
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