Braves Prospects Make Their Mark on Baseball America’s Top 100 List: Baldwin and Smith-Shawver Shine, Waldrep Just Misses Out
Baseball America released its highly anticipated Top 100 Prospects list for the upcoming season, and the Atlanta Braves managed to secure two spots on the prestigious list. Over the past several years, the Braves have worked tirelessly to rebuild their farm system, which had once been depleted as the team transitioned into one of Major League Baseball’s most successful franchises. While the Braves have not consistently dominated prospect rankings with numerous players, they have excelled at finding hidden gems who make significant impacts at the big league level.
This year, the Seattle Mariners led all teams with an impressive seven players on the list. The Braves, on the other hand, saw two of their prospects recognized, while one narrowly missed the cut. Despite the modest representation, the recognition of these players highlights the quality of talent the Braves continue to develop and the organization’s ability to find impactful contributors, even among unheralded prospects.
Drake Baldwin’s Meteoric Rise
One of the most exciting names for Braves fans is catcher Drake Baldwin, who has seen his stock skyrocket over the past year. Baldwin entered the 2024 season as a relative unknown but quickly made a name for himself, showcasing an impressive array of skills that have drawn significant attention. As catching talent remains a premium commodity in the big leagues, Baldwin’s development couldn’t have come at a better time for Atlanta.
Landing at No. 53 on Baseball America’s Top 100 list, Baldwin has emerged as one of the most promising young catchers in the game. His strong arm, improving defensive abilities, and an intriguing offensive profile have turned heads across the league. With an opportunity to play regularly in Triple-A during the 2025 season, Baldwin has a real chance to further enhance his prospect status and inch closer to making his MLB debut.
AJ Smith-Shawver: A Test of Resilience
Right-handed pitcher AJ Smith-Shawver also earned a spot on the list, coming in at No. 83. While Smith-Shawver’s ranking represents a drop from his previous position at No. 49, it’s not an indictment of his potential. Instead, his 2024 ranking was impacted by an injury-riddled campaign that saw him sidelined for much of the season.
At just 22 years old, Smith-Shawver remains a high-upside prospect with immense potential. His relative inexperience as a full-time pitcher—having transitioned from a dual-role athlete only a few years ago—means he still has plenty of room to grow. The 2025 season will be a critical one for Smith-Shawver as he looks to prove he can handle the rigors of a 162-game season and solidify his place on Atlanta’s big league roster.
Hurston Waldrep: Knocking on the Door
Former first-round pick Hurston Waldrep narrowly missed inclusion in Baseball America’s Top 100 list, but his potential remains undeniable. The hard-throwing right-hander had a challenging 2024 season, with elbow inflammation sidelining him for a significant portion of the year. When Waldrep did return to the mound, recurring command issues raised concerns among scouts, leading to his drop in rankings.
Despite these setbacks, Waldrep’s raw talent continues to intrigue evaluators. A former standout at the University of Florida, he has the tools to be a significant contributor at the MLB level. The upcoming season presents Waldrep with a fresh opportunity to prove his worth. Competing for a rotation spot during spring training could serve as a pivotal moment in his young career, and his performance could be instrumental in bolstering the Braves’ pitching depth.
The Road Ahead for the Braves’ Farm System
The Braves’ ability to develop players like Baldwin, Smith-Shawver, and Waldrep is a testament to the organization’s scouting and player development efforts. While the farm system isn’t brimming with top-ranked prospects, Atlanta’s history of uncovering hidden talent and developing contributors for their big league roster cannot be overlooked.
For the 2025 season, the focus will be on these prospects continuing to refine their skills and stay healthy. Baldwin’s rise as a potential everyday catcher, Smith-Shawver’s push to overcome his injury setbacks, and Waldrep’s fight to regain his command and confidence will all be closely watched. These players represent the next wave of Braves talent aiming to make an impact in Atlanta and help the team maintain its status as one of baseball’s elite franchises.
The question remains: who will be the next Braves prospect to rise through the ranks in 2025 and follow in the footsteps of Baldwin, Smith-Shawver, and Waldrep? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—Atlanta’s player development system will continue to be a critical factor in the team’s ongoing success.
Braves place two prospects in Baseball America’s Top 100 ranking but top arm snubbed
