Three Atlanta Braves players are on Fangraphs’ roster of names to know in 2024

They haven’t received the accolades that Smith-Shawver and Waldrep have, but these three players appear to have great 2024 campaigns and will place themselves on the map.

Another day, another piece of news regarding important Atlanta Braves prospects, this time three who have yet to receive much attention. Eric Logenhagen and Tess Taruskin of Fangraphs compiled a list of 100 prospects who may not be among the top 100, but are very close.

This offseason has been all about Hurston Waldrep and A.J. Smith-Shawver, and for good cause, but Spencer Schwellenbach, Drake Baldwin, and Ignacio “Nacho” Alvarez are three players to keep an eye on this season. So let’s go over each one a bit more.

Spencer Schwellenbach

Spencer was a two-way player at Nebraska, and the Braves selected him in the second round of the 2021 selection, citing his arm as the most impressive feature.

They had to wait and see with him because Tommy John surgery was required, forcing Spencer to sit out the 2021 and 2022 seasons. We first saw Spencer in 2023, and he had 16 strong starts across two levels (A, A+), totaling 65 innings with a 2.49 ERA and 0.98 WHIP.

At 23 years of age, Spencer was a little older than his competitors, so a talent of his is expected to play well, but after nearly two years away from pitching in real games, it was tremendouslyIt’s astonishing to watch his command play out so beautifully.

Spencer’s strikeout rate increased from 7.19 to 9.22 after getting promoted to A+ ball, while his walk rate plummeted from an already excellent 2.63 BB/9 to 0.66 – very impressive for someone so far removed from pitching in real games.

Spencer’s true fun begins in 2024. With the injury behind him, the Braves can release the leash and fully push Spencer. I expect Spencer to begin the season in Rome, with a rapid promotion if he continues to produce the stats he did last year.

Spencer’s fastball and slider are already great pitches, and if he improves his changeup and, more crucially, his durability, he will swiftly move to the Top 100 rankings.

This could be Spencer’s special year, so keep an eye on his starts this season. Whether he makes it as a starter, or even as He’s a high-leverage bullpen option with a lot to offer on the mound.