The narrative that the Braves don’t have a strong farm system is a myth. They send as much high-quality talent to the majors year after year as just about any organization in the league, and there are a number of guys having huge years on the farm that are on the cusp of contributing in Atlanta, perhaps as early as next season.
Drue Hackenberg is one of them. The younger brother of former NFL quarterback Christian Hackenberg, Drue is currently the ninth ranked prospect in the Braves system, according to MLB Pipeline. He was a second-round draft pick just last season, and most thought he would sign under slot; however, the Braves actually signed him over slot, handing him a $2 million signing bonus, a decision that makes a lot more sense today.
Hackenberg began the season in High-A Rome, posting a respectable 3.64 ERA over 12 starts. That was enough to earn him a promotion to AA Mississippi, a place where the former Virginia Tech standout has really come into his own. Over nine starts, Hackenberg owns a 3.13 ERA and has struck out 64 batters over just 49.0 innings. Now, he’s headed to Gwinnett.
PROMOTED: 📈
Congratulations to @HackenbergDrue on being promoted today to Triple-A @GoStripers!
Another great 💪 in the pipeline! pic.twitter.com/fZ7vgsG4FD
— Mississippi Braves (@mbraves) August 27, 2024
This will be quite the test for Drue Hackenberg to end the season, and if he passes, he’ll surely enter his name into the ring for an MLB debut as early as next year. The Braves never hesitate with their prospects, and Hackenberg could end up being the next young arm to join the major-league club.
A little further down the system, the Braves also announced the promotion of JR Ritchie to High-A Rome.
Tuesday Transactions:
– RHP JR Ritchie promoted to Rome
– OF Isaiah Drake placed on 7-Day ILCongratulations JR!! pic.twitter.com/NIFtrx3DmW
— Augusta GreenJackets (@GreenJackets) August 27, 2024
Ritchie was the 35th overall selection out of high school in the 2022 MLB Draft, and it didn’t take him long to start turning heads. Unfortunately, Tommy John surgery cost him most of the 2023 campaign, but he’s returned this year and been really productive over 10 appearances (9 starts) with the Augusta Green Jackets, boasting a 2.72 ERA with 48 strikeouts in 39.2 innings.
It will be a little longer before we’re talking about JR Ritchie being major-league ready, but he’s been impressive since returning from injury. 2025 will be a big year for the 21-year-old right-hander.
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Photo: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
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