ATLANTA — Rather less than a full decade in the past, JR Ritchie was a 5-foot-4 seventh grader who had aspirations to turn into the NFL’s subsequent Brett Favre. The 6-foot-2 hurler now has legit aspirations to turn into the Braves’ subsequent spectacular younger beginning pitcher.
Ritchie, whom MLB Pipeline ranks as Atlanta’s No. 2 prospect and No. 86 general, brightened his profession and the Braves’ future as he shot by way of the group’s farm system this yr. The 22-year-old hurler posted a 2.64 ERA whereas making a mixed 26 begins over three ranges. He’s anticipated to be invited to huge league Spring Coaching for the primary time in 2026.
COMPLETE BRAVES PROSPECT COVERAGE
Ritchie’s rise over the previous yr considerably strengthened the Braves’ starting-pitching depth. The membership will enter this season realizing that Ritchie may show to be prepared for the Majors in some unspecified time in the future within the coming season.
A latest development of Atlanta’s bodes properly for the younger right-hander.
Spencer Strider grew to become one of many sport’s prime strikeout artists throughout his 2022 rookie season, whereas Bryce Elder got here out of nowhere to achieve an All-Star choice in 2023. Spencer Schwellenbach grew to become an prompt star in 2024, and Hurston Waldrep flashed his shiny future on the finish of this previous season.
Although Ritchie will probably start 2026 on the Triple-A degree, he could possibly be a powerful midseason addition like Schwellenbach and Waldrep have been the previous two years.
Ritchie was taken by the Braves with the thirty fifth general decide within the 2022 Draft, however he has had only one full unrestricted season on the professional degree. He underwent Tommy John surgical procedure in 2023, pitched with innings restrictions in 2024 after which thrived as soon as the coaching wheels have been eliminated this previous season.
After dominating the Excessive-A degree and proving himself in Double-A, Ritchie confirmed each his sturdiness and expertise on the Minor League’s highest degree. He completed 2025 by posting a 3.02 ERA over 11 begins for Triple-A Gwinnett. The 11.1% stroll fee Ritchie produced on the prime degree could have been a product of fatigue, or simply a sign he nonetheless wants extra seasoning.
Ritchie stood simply 5-foot-4 as a seventh grader, however he grew seven inches that yr and finally measured at 6-foot-1, 150 kilos as a highschool freshman. He was throwing a fastball that touched 91 mph and a 78 mph curveball. It was evident he may need a superb future. Former Braves farmhand Kevin Gunderson took discover and commenced coaching the blossoming hurler.
Ritchie’s sophomore season was cancelled by the COVID-19 pandemic, however he excelled throughout his remaining two seasons at Bainbridge Excessive College (Wash.) and obtained a $2.4 million signing bonus from the Braves. His early childhood love for soccer led to “Brett Favre” being two of the earliest phrases he ever uttered.
However he’s now nearer to following within the footsteps of one in all his teenage idols, former Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson.
“I began rising my hair out once I was about 15 years outdated due to Dansby,” Ritchie stated. “Actually, I needed Dansby’s hair. I didn’t get it. My hair was too curly. It was price a shot.”
This can be the yr when the Braves resolve it’s price a shot to see if Ritchie is certainly prepared.
