Could John Gil unseat Cam Caminiti as the Braves #1 prospect?

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Could John Gil unseat Cam Caminiti as the Braves #1 prospect?

Originally posted on SportsTalkATL | By Chase Irle | Last updated May 12, 2026 10:34 AM ET

Over the last couple of years, it’s been mostly pitching prospects rocketing through the Braves system. Frankly, there haven’t been too many position players on the farm even worth discussing, outside of Drake Baldwin. But if the early results of the 2026 campaign are any indication, that’s about to change drastically.

In Rome alone, there are four guys sporting an OPS of .879 or higher. Eric Hartman is one I highlighted yesterday, whose hot start — .331 average, 12 home runs, 22 extra-base hits, 1.126 OPS, and 13 steals — has already landed him a spot in Baseball America’s Top 100 prospects.

That suggests Hartman is already a top-four prospect in the organization, and with JR Ritchie and Didier Fuentes set to graduate soon, he has a real shot at becoming the top Braves prospect by season’s end.

There’s another name in Rome people should be keeping a close eye on, however — shortstop John Gil, whose hype train really took off during Spring Training.

John Gil will be the most-hyped Braves prospect this year. When I said he looks like Wilson Betemit physically, an evaluator said, "but, he plays like (Rafael) Furcal)." Betemit's physical skills plus Furcal's speed and energy seems like a great combo.

— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) February 18, 2026

Unlike Hartman, Gil was a relatively known name among prospect circles coming into the season. He had a fantastic finish to the 2025 campaign and was already a top 12 prospect in the organization according to most outlets.

That momentum has carried into 2026. Through 31 games, he’s hitting .301 with six home runs, a .911 OPS, and 20 stolen bases — flashing elite plate discipline and some pop that really started show over the last calendar year.

There’s a chance Gil becomes the shortstop of the future in Atlanta. Though, with the Braves adding so many shortstops in last year’s draft, he might be better suited to play second or third. Those spots are currently occupied in Atlanta, but a lot can happen over a couple of years, and talented prospects have a funny way of forcing the organization’s hand when they’re deemed ready.

From a tools perspective, John Gil might be the most talented prospect on the farm. The emerging power will be key in determining his ceiling, but if he proves to be a 25+ home run guy while he’s still just 20-years-old — Gil, Hartman, and Cam Caminiti will be locked in a fierce battle for the title of the club’s top prospect.

This article first appeared on SportsTalkATL and was syndicated with permission.

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