“Can Drue Hackenberg’s Diverse Pitch Arsenal Propel Him to a Consistent MLB Role by 2025?”

HIT Plate Disc. GAME POWER RUN FIELD FV
50/50 55/60 45/55 40/40 50/50 55

After a rocky start to his professional career, Baldwin had a breakout year in 2023, excelling in both High-A and Double-A. He continued his strong performance into 2024, looking like a potential everyday MLB catcher.

Outlook
Baldwin starts his swing with his hands out in front, incorporating a large leg kick that he manages effectively. As his lead leg comes down, he pulls his hands back into position, maintaining weight distribution and creating torque for high exit velocities (107 mph 90th percentile).

Baldwin’s bat-to-ball skills are solid, driving the ball with authority to all parts of the field. His flatter swing limits his game power but helps him make consistent contact. He struggles with fastballs, likely due to his deeper contact point, but he has excellent plate discipline, especially recognizing spin and avoiding changeups. He performs well against left-handed pitchers.

If he can elevate the ball more consistently, Baldwin could hit 20-25 home runs. His on-base skills and plus exit velocities suggest he could still be an average MLB bat even with a lower home run total.

Defense/Speed
Initially considered a fringe defender, Baldwin has improved, particularly with his receiving skills, and is now considered at least average defensively. His arm is average, and he threw out 25% of base stealers in 2024. He’s also a strong blocker, allowing few passed balls in his first 100 pro games.

Outlook
Baldwin is one of the more polished catching prospects and is close to MLB-ready, with room for more improvement, particularly in his power. If he can consistently elevate fastballs, he has the potential for 20-25 home runs. With his offensive skills and defensive improvements, Baldwin should be able to stick as a primary MLB catcher.

FASTBALL SLIDER Changeup COMMAND FV
55/65 50/55 40/50 40/55 50

Caminiti, the nephew of former MLB MVP Ken Caminiti, reclassified into the 2024 draft class, making him one of the youngest players selected. At just 18 years old for most of 2025, he brings exciting potential with room for growth.

Arsenal
Caminiti’s fastball, sitting at 93-95 mph, has room to gain more velocity thanks to his repeatable mechanics. The fastball’s cross-fire delivery adds some deception. His slider has shown development, now an above-average pitch at around 80 mph with decent movement. His changeup, in the upper 80s, has potential to become a solid third offering with further development.

Outlook
With his athleticism and mechanics, Caminiti could develop above-average command and additional velocity as he matures. The Braves were thrilled to draft him 24th overall, and he could move quickly through the system, starting 2025 in Low-A with the potential to reach High-A soon.

FASTBALL SLIDER CURVEBALL Changeup COMMAND FV
55/55 50/55 40/45 55/60 40/45 50

Smith-Shawver, an athletic right-hander, was signed for $1 million to forgo his commitment to Texas Tech. Despite limited minor league innings, he debuted in the MLB in 2023, fluctuating between the big leagues and Triple-A. At just 22 years old in 2025, he is still developing.

Arsenal
Smith-Shawver’s fastball and slider have been his main weapons, though he didn’t dominate MLB hitters in 2024. His splitter emerged as his most effective pitch, showing swing-and-miss potential. His slider needs improvement, as it was prone to flattening out, but his splitter continued to generate weak contact. His curveball is still inconsistent and likely serves as a secondary pitch.

Outlook
After a challenging 2024, Smith-Shawver will aim to improve his slider and command in 2025. His potential to develop three above-average pitches could position him as a mid-rotation starter or a back-end option, depending on his consistency.

FASTBALL SLIDER Curveball COMMAND FV
60/60 55/60 40/50 45/55 50

Murphy, a 2024 first-round pick, showed promise before needing Tommy John surgery. His ability to spin the baseball sets him apart from other prospects.

Arsenal
Murphy’s fastball, in the low 90s, generates elite vertical carry. His slider improved in 2024, and he commands it well, creating effective results against left-handed batters. His curveball is inconsistent but offers depth when located well.

Outlook
Murphy’s fastball carry and improved slider make him a promising prospect. Assuming he returns to full health after Tommy John surgery, Murphy could develop into a back-end starter with a solid pitch mix.

FASTBALL Slider Curveball Cutter Changeup COMMAND FV
45/50 60/65 50/50 55/55 40/45 40/50 45+

Braun impressed in his first full pro season, refining his delivery and dominating Double-A hitters.

Arsenal
Braun’s five-pitch arsenal includes a fastball with improved velocity and spin. His slider is his best pitch, generating a high chase rate and limiting damage. He also effectively uses a cutter and curveball, although his changeup is still developing.

Outlook
Braun’s unique delivery and pitch mix give him a good shot at being a reliable MLB arm, potentially as a No. 4 starter. His consistency with command and execution will determine his future role in the majors.

FASTBALL Changeup Slider COMMAND FV
50/50 70/70 50/55 35/40 45+

Waldrep boasts an elite splitter but has struggled with fastball command, limiting his overall effectiveness.

Arsenal
Waldrep’s fastball sits at 94-96 mph, but it lacks the movement needed to generate swings and misses. His splitter, however, is a standout pitch, holding opponents to a low OPS and showing swing-and-miss potential. His slider has improved and now gives him another reliable out pitch.

Outlook
Waldrep’s fastball issues and command concerns could push him to the bullpen, where his elite splitter could make him a high-leverage reliever. However, if his fastball and command improve, he could become a quality MLB starter.

HIT Plate Disc. GAME POWER RUN FIELD FV
50/55 50/55 35/40 40/40 50/55 45

Alvarez, a contact-oriented infielder, impressed in his first full pro season and reached the big leagues in 2024.

Hitting
Alvarez has a solid approach at the plate, with good contact rates and strong on-base skills. His bat speed is below average, which limits his power potential, but he can hit for doubles and flashes some pull-side pop.

Defense/Speed
Alvarez is a steady defender, capable of playing both second and third base with solid hands and quick reflexes. While his speed is below average, his defensive awareness helps him make plays.

Outlook
Alvarez’s on-base skills and defensive versatility make him a valuable role player in the majors. However, his lack of power may prevent him from becoming an everyday starter. He projects as a utility infielder or second-division regular.

8. Drue Hackenberg – RHP – (Triple-A)

• Height/Weight: 6’2″, 220 | Bat/Throw: R/R | Draft: 2nd Round (59) – ATL (2023) | ETA: 2025

FASTBALL: 50/50 | Cutter: 50/55 | Curveball: 50/55 | Changeup: 40/45 | COMMAND: 40/45 | FV: 45

Hackenberg, selected in the second round as a high-floor draft-eligible sophomore, impressed right away, logging 129 innings across three levels and posting a 3.07 ERA, finishing his first pro season in Triple-A.

Arsenal
Hackenberg doesn’t have standout stuff, but he mixes pitches well, generating a solid ground ball rate and enough strikeouts. He throws two types of fastballs—a four-seamer averaging 94.5 MPH and a sinker slightly slower. The four-seamer doesn’t have a lot of vertical movement but still generates swings and misses due to his ability to hide the ball and get it on hitters quickly. His two-seamer, which moves horizontally by 16 inches, is mainly thrown to right-handed hitters and generates a high ground ball rate.

His best secondary pitch is a cutter around 90 MPH, which he relied on more as the season went on. Batters had a .560 OPS against it, and it often resulted in ground balls. The cutter is mostly thrown to lefties, but he could benefit from increasing its usage overall.

Hackenberg’s low 80s curveball is his most effective swing-and-miss pitch, though his command of it fluctuates. Opponents posted an OPS below .500 against it in 2024, especially lefties, but his 55% strike rate hindered its full potential. His changeup, averaging 82-84 MPH with limited movement, is a decent ground ball pitch but struggled with a 50% strike rate in 2024.

Outlook
While Hackenberg’s ceiling may be somewhat limited compared to other top picks, he offers a quicker path to the majors. With Triple-A experience in his first full season, he could serve as a solid depth option for the Braves in 2025, potentially as a No. 5 starter.

9. Garrett Baumann – RHP – (High-A)

• Height/Weight: 6’8″, 245 | Bat/Throw: R/R | Draft: 4th Round (126) – ATL (2023) | ETA: 2027

FASTBALL: 55/60 | Slider: 50/60 | Changeup: 30/45 | COMMAND: 45/55 | FV: 45

Baumann, a towering right-hander, had a strong first pro season at Low-A, with his velocity increasing throughout the year.

Arsenal
Baumann works with a three-pitch mix, leaning heavily on his fastball (60% of the time) and slider (25%). His fastball averaged 94 MPH, reaching closer to 95 MPH as the season progressed, thanks to his impressive extension from his 6’8” frame. He has potential to increase his velocity as he matures.

His mid-80s slider acts more like a cutter, inducing weak contact from hitters. Opponents posted a sub-.300 OPS against it, and Baumann showed good control with a 67% strike rate.

Baumann is still refining his changeup, which he throws around 86-88 MPH, and relies mostly on ground balls for outs rather than swing-and-miss stuff.

Outlook
Baumann’s ability to fill the zone with his fastball and slider raises his floor. He walked just 5.7% of batters in his pro debut and threw nearly 100 innings. Developing a reliable third pitch is key for Baumann as he progresses to High-A and Double-A in 2025. His fastball-slider combination gives him the potential to be a solid back-of-the-rotation starter or a versatile relief/swingman option.

10. JR Ritchie – RHP – (High-A)

• Height/Weight: 6’2″, 185 | Bat/Throw: R/R | Draft: CB-A Round (35) – ATL (2022) | ETA: 2027

FASTBALL: 45/50 | Slider: 45/55 | Changeup: 45/55 | COMMAND: 40/55 | FV: 45

After being selected in the 2022 draft, Ritchie signed for $2.4 million, with hopes that his polished amateur skills would translate into pro success. Unfortunately, Tommy John surgery cut short most of his 2023 season, but he returned in June 2024, though his stuff was slightly down.

Arsenal
Ritchie’s fastball velocity dropped after his surgery. Before the injury, he sat 93-95 MPH, but returned around 91-93 MPH, with a peak of 93.1 MPH in his final start of 2024. There’s hope that his velocity will return closer to his pre-surgery numbers in 2025.

Ritchie’s slider, which had been a plus offering prior to surgery, lacked consistency in 2024, often leaving pitches up in the zone. He posted some good strikeout numbers but also allowed five home runs on the pitch.

His changeup, ranging from 82-84 MPH, shows promise with horizontal movement, but its use has been inconsistent.

Outlook
Ritchie’s future largely depends on his recovery from Tommy John surgery, but he has the potential for a solid three-pitch mix with good command, making him a back-of-the-rotation option. His development of a consistent feel for all three pitches will be crucial for his success, and his potential as a starter is higher than his fallback option as a reliever.

11. Didier Fuentes – RHP – (Low-A)

• Height/Weight: 6’0″, 170 | Bat/Throw: R/R | IFA: $75,000 – ATL (2022) | ETA: 2028

FASTBALL: 60/70 | Slider: 35/50 | Changeup: 30/40 | COMMAND: 35/45 | FV: 40+

Fuentes, who dominated in the DSL in 2022, struggled in Low-A in 2023 before bouncing back with an impressive 2024 campaign, posting a 2.74 ERA in 75 2/3 innings.

Arsenal
Fuentes throws his fastball in the 93-95 MPH range, using it 70% of the time. The pitch’s flat angle from his low release height makes it challenging for hitters, especially at the top of the zone, resulting in a .190 average against it in 2024.

However, his secondary pitches remain underdeveloped, with his slider and changeup lacking consistency. His slider has potential, but Fuentes needs to improve its command to make it a reliable option.

Outlook
While Fuentes has a dominant fastball, his development of a secondary pitch will be critical for his future. If he can refine his slider and changeup, he has the potential to develop into a reliable starter.

12. Rolddy Muñoz – RHP – (Double-A)

• Height/Weight: 6’1″, 215 | Bat/Throw: R/R | IFA: $30,000 – ATL (2017) | ETA: 2025

FASTBALL: 55/55 | Slider: 70/70 | COMMAND: 40/40 | FV: 40+

Muñoz, added to the Braves’ 40-man roster after a strong 2024 season in High-A and Double-A, possesses high-velocity stuff but struggles with command.

Arsenal
Muñoz’s fastball averages 98 MPH, regularly touching 100 MPH, but lacks the ideal shape, leading to hard contact. His slider is his standout pitch, clocking in at 88-91 MPH, with sharp bite that has been devastating against hitters, allowing a .140 average in 2024.

Outlook
Muñoz projects best as a relief arm, where his electric stuff could be a high-leverage weapon. His success hinges on refining his fastball shape and improving his command.

13. Herick Hernandez – LHP – (Low-A)

• Height/Weight: 5’10″, 200 | Bat/Throw: R/R | Draft: 4th Round (129) – ATL (2014) | ETA: 2027

FASTBALL: 50/55 | Slider: 55/60 | COMMAND: 35/45 | FV: 40+

Hernandez impressed in his sophomore JuCo season, with a 29% strikeout rate, before transferring to the University of Miami. He maintained strong strikeout numbers in college, though his run prevention wasn’t as effective.

Arsenal
Hernandez’s fastball sits in the 91-93 MPH range with excellent vertical break, making it tough on hitters. His best pitch is a gyro slider, which has plus potential, particularly against both left- and right-handed batters.

Outlook
Though his changeup and command need work, Hernandez’s spin and slider give him a high ceiling. He remains an intriguing lefty prospect with potential.

14. Blake Burkhalter – RHP – (High-A)

• Height/Weight: 6’2″, 185 | Bat/Throw: R/R | Draft: 2nd Round (76) – ATL (2022) | ETA: 2026

FASTBALL: 55/55 | Cutter: 50/55 | Slider: 45/45 | Changeup: 35/40 | COMMAND: 40/45 | FV: 40+

Burkhalter, a former standout reliever at Auburn, was drafted by the Braves with the intention of developing him as a starter. After Tommy John surgery kept him out of the 2023 season, he returned in 2024.

Arsenal
Burkhalter’s fastball features a strong cut-ride that generates plenty of whiffs, especially against right-handed batters. His cutter, his best secondary offering, induces weak contact. His slider is still developing, and his changeup is less effective.

Outlook
Burkhalter’s future likely lies in a swingman or relief role, with his fastball and cutter making him an intriguing weapon against righties. If his slider develops further, he could be a solid bullpen piece.

15. Jhancarlos Lara – RHP – (Double-A)

• Height/Weight: 6’3″, 220 | Bat/Throw: R/R | IFA: $10,000 – ATL (2021) | ETA: 2025

FASTBALL: 50/55 | Slider: 60/70 | Cutter: 40/50 | COMMAND: 30/35 | FV: 40+

Lara possesses electric stuff but struggles with command, walking 16% of batters in 2024. His fastball averages 97.5 MPH and has touched 101 MPH, but it lacks ideal movement.

Arsenal
Lara’s slider, his best pitch, is a 90 MPH weapon that generates lots of whiffs, with opponents hitting just .170 against it.

Outlook
Lara has the potential to be a high-leverage reliever if he can improve his command. His fastball-slider combo could make him a strong bullpen option in the future.