JR

Ritchie

Ritchie was the first-round pick for Atlanta in 2022 and underwent Tommy John surgery in May of 2023. This season, he has a 1.30 ERA, 0.79 WHIP, and 38:10 K:BB ratio in 41 2/3 innings at High-A. He’s not going to push for an MLB promotion this year, but it’s nice for Atlanta to see their former top pick back on the mound and pitching at a high level.

Ritchie has been sidelined in the lower minors with a right elbow injury and appears headed for a lengthy absence. The 19-year-old was a supplemental first-round pick by the Braves back in the 2022 MLB Draft.

Ritchie was the Braves first-round pick last year and was selected 34th overall. The 19-year-old has a four-pitch mix, but his fastball and slider have a chance to be superb. He had a 5.40 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, and 25/3 K/BB ratio in four starts at Low-A Augusta before the injury.

Jim Callis of MLB.com reports that Ritchie will receive a $2.4 million signing bonus, which is above the $2,203,200 slot value for the 34th selection in the draft. The Braves gave up several prospects to acquire this pick in the supplemental first round, so it’s no surprise to see them come to an agreement -- and go above slot -- to sign a player that they actively targeted.

Ritchie goes with the pick that the Braves traded several prospects for. The right-hander has four pitches in his arsenal, and two of those -- his fastball and slider -- have a chance to be plus. The curveball isn’t far behind, and his change should be a solid offering. His command is a work in progress, but he should be able to remain a starter in the long-term. With Ritchie and Owen Murphy, the Braves have added two impressive -- but very much long-term -- options.