The Atlanta Braves have been blessed in recent years !!
The Atlanta Braves have had no shortage of standout rookies in recent years. Ronald Acuña Jr. claimed Rookie of the Year honors in 2018, Michael Harris II followed in 2022, and catcher Drake Baldwin is among the frontrunners this season. Now, it looks like pitching prospect JR Ritchie could be next in line to continue that trend in 2026.
Ritchie, selected 35th overall by Atlanta in the 2022 draft, has been a highly regarded arm in the Braves’ farm system. Despite undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2023, he’s made a strong comeback and has already worked his way up to Triple-A this season.
If he can stay healthy, Ritchie is positioning himself as a legitimate Rookie of the Year candidate for 2026.
Strong Numbers and Rapid Progress
Ritchie has put together an impressive campaign in 2025. Across 20 starts, he owns a 2.58 ERA with 104 strikeouts over 108.1 innings. He’s earned two promotions this year and is holding his own in Triple-A Gwinnett with a 3.21 ERA through five starts at just 22 years old.
His arsenal features a solid mix of fastball, slider, and changeup, and his performance hasn’t gone unnoticed. He stood out during the 2025 Futures Game and recently caught the attention of Braves beat writer Mark Bowman, who said Ritchie is “on the radar” for the 2026 rotation.
Room Opening in the Rotation
Looking ahead, the Braves could need help in the rotation early next season. Spencer Strider, Chris Sale, and Spencer Schwellenbach (if healthy) are expected to return. But there are question marks around Reynaldo López’s role and health, and both AJ Smith-Shawver and Grant Holmes are likely to start the season on the injured list.
Given those uncertainties, Ritchie could have a clear opportunity to earn a rotation spot. If he seizes it, don’t be surprised to see him in the mix for Rookie of the Year honors by the end of the 2026 season.
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