JR

Ritchie

It was the 22-year-old’s most dominant performance at Triple-A yet. The Braves’ second-ranked prospect used a deep six-pitch mix to post a 37 percent whiff rate and 38 percent CSW, led by a sinker that pounded the zone and a curveball that had a 50 percent whiff rate. You have to wonder if the Braves would consider getting him an MLB start or two to close out the season and see whether or not he can be a factor for them in 2026.

Wetherholt — who was promoted to Triple-A Memphis earlier this week — headlines a senior circuit lineup that includes rising fantasy sensation Konnor Griffin, who has emerged as arguably the top prospect in the entire dynasty landscape during his professional debut. It also features Dodgers burgeoning sluggers Zyhir Hope and Josue De Paula in addition to Brewers phenom Jesús Made, who has cemented his status as a top-10 dynasty prospect in the game. Here’s the full lineup: Wetherholt (DH), Griffin (SS), Owen Caissie (RF), Charlie Condon (1B), Hope (CF), Made (2B), De Paula (LF), LuJames Groover (3B), Joe Mack (C) and JR Ritchie (P).

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.