Two prospects turning heads at Braves Spring Training

Some very intriguing prospects are enjoying Braves Spring Training, and a couple of them could quickly become household names sooner than some might expect.

At this point, everyone is well aware of the concerns in Atlanta’s rotation. The injuries to Hurston Waldrep and Spencer Schwellenbach — both of whom will undergo elbow surgery — have completely depleted any semblance of depth. If the Braves are to survive the first several months of the season until potential reinforcements arrive, they’ll likely need a prospect arm to step up. The one everyone should have a close eye on this Spring Training is the No. 2-ranked prospect, JR Ritchie.

“Unfortunately, last year we had a lot of injuries,” Ritchie said. “Realistically, I hope that never happens again. A lot of these guys are my friends, and I wouldn’t wish that upon anybody. But at the end of the day, this organization has given chances to younger guys. I’m not really too concerned about that. For me, it’s about my development and making sure I’m staying on track, continuing to throw the ball well, and staying on me.”

Ritchie might only be 22 years old, but he’s already speaking to the media like a 10-year veteran. When the Braves call on him is out of his control, and ideally, it would be nice if he could spend more time working on his craft in Gwinnett. He’s only made 19 starts above the High-A level, after all.

Unfortunately, that might not be a luxury the Braves have following this recent run of injuries. They could find themselves in a position rather quickly where they need to take a chance on one of their talented young arms in hopes of stabilizing the rotation. As Ritchie mentioned, that’s not something the organization has been hesitant to do in the past.

The other name turning heads early in Spring Training might be the most intriguing positional prospect in the Braves system — shortstop John Gil, who is receiving comparisons to Wilson Betemit and Rafael Furcal.

Gil wasn’t the most highly touted international prospect when the Braves signed him in 2023, but at just 19 years old, he’s flashed the kind of potential that could quickly put him in the conversation as the top prospect in the organization.

His most impressive tool right now is his athleticism. Gil has plus-plus speed, swiping 54 bags in just 107 games last season. However, the hit tool is coming along nicely as well for a prospect his age, flashing above-average contact ability with power that appears to be improving at a rapid rate.

The fact that Gil made his Double-A debut last season soon after turning 19 and is already a non-roster invite to Spring Training says a lot about what the Braves think of him. With Ha-Seong Kim signed for this season, an MLB debut in 2026 feels highly unlikely unless something drastic happens. But after 2026, shortstop will once again be a blank canvas, and Gil could insert himself into that conversation with a big season on the farm.

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