Young Star Could Be Braves Next Pitching Prospect Breakout

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00:00Young Star could be Braves' next pitching prospect breakout.

00:04In the world of baseball, where the difference between promise and performance is measured in inches and milliseconds,

00:10J.R. Ritchie has emerged from near-anonymity to become a name that may soon reverberate across Truist Park.

00:17Just a few years ago, he was a 5'4 7th grader dreaming not of the mound, but of the gridiron,

00:23envisioning himself as the next Brett Favre.

00:26Now, at 6'2 with a live arm and a steadily growing resume,

00:31Ritchie stands on the cusp of becoming the next prize gem for the Atlanta Braves.

00:36Drafted 35th overall in 2022, Ritchie overcame 2023 Tommy John surgery to post a 2.64 ERA over 26 starts

00:45across three minor league levels in 2025, including a 3.02 ERA in 11 AAA starts.

00:51While his 11.1% walk rate shows room for refinement, the workload, adjustment, and fatigue explain much of it.

00:59His tools, a high school fastball once reaching 91 miles per hour, a sharp curve, and a major league-ready frame and mechanics,

01:08highlight his starter potential.

01:10Atlanta has a strong track record of developing young pitchers into stars,

01:14including Spencer Strider, Bryce Elder, Spencer Schwellenbach, and Hurston Waldrop.

01:18Ritchie's breakout adds depth to the Braves' rotation ahead of another postseason push.

01:24Beyond his numbers, his calm, disciplined temperament makes him well-suited for high-pressure situations,

01:30aligning with the team's history of nurturing, impactful young talent.

01:35Ritchie grew seven inches in a year, transforming from undersized to overachiever.

01:40Though his football dreams faded, his baseball passion persisted,

01:44inspired by Brett Favre and emulating Dansby Swanson.

01:47With the Braves' rotation needing depth and Ritchie excelling at every minor league level,

01:53it may be time for him to take his shot on the big stage.