Just as the Atlanta Braves seem to have emptied their coffer of prospects, more promising youngsters push their way to the big leagues. The cycle appears to be repeating as the Braves turn their eyes to 2026. Most of the big-name prospects, like Drake Baldwin and Nacho Alvarez Jr., have graduated to regular roles in the Majors, but a few lesser-known players could fight for space on Atlanta’s roster.

The biggest impact by Braves prospects may come from the unlikeliest players.

Shortstop Luke Waddell

The most glaring area of need for Atlanta is shortstop, and whether the Braves reach an agreement with Ha-Seong Kim or shop for a free agent fit, Luke Waddell could have an important role to play. If the Braves lock in a shortstop that can hit a bit, Nick Allen should worry about a challenge from Waddell. Allen’s glove was fantastic in 2025, but his utter lack of offense may jeopardize his role on the 26-man roster.

Waddell, on the other hand, is a scrappy undersized infielder who has been waiting for his shot. He hits for average and grinds out at-bats with a patient approach. Like Allen, he can man shortstop, second base, or third, but his bat would be the thing to carry him to the Majors. If he avoids a Rule 5 Draft selection this winter and stays healthy (he missed two months with a calf injury in 2025), Waddell may finally get his long-awaited crack at a Braves roster spot.

Reliever Blake Burkhalter

Right-hander Blake Burkhalter is probably the best-known player on this list. MLB Pipeline ranked him as the No. 11 prospect in the Braves’ system, and he was a candidate for a September callup in 2025. Burkhalter lost that opportunity to Rolddy Muñoz, but 2026 should be a different story altogether.

It’s likely that Burkhalter will start the year in Triple-A for a little more polish. The Braves need bullpen help, but they need a high-leverage pitcher. Burkhalter simply isn’t ready for that. He still struggles with command and was prone to give up home runs during his first stint with Gwinnett in 2025. Burkhalter is capable of being a multi-inning reliever with solid stuff; those skills should carry him up to Atlanta at some point.

Third baseman David McCabe

After Tommy John surgery in 2024, David McCabe didn’t miss a beat in 2025, nabbing his second Prospect of the Year recognition from MLB Pipeline. The switch-hitter is among the most complete batters in the Braves’ farm system, and his ability to play either corner infield spot or DH could help him find more regular playing time even with Austin Riley and Matt Olson entrenched with the big-league squad.

McCabe will also need some further seasoning at Triple-A. His bat quieted a bit when he got a taste of the level in 2025. Still, his ability to get on-base and drive the ball should land him in Atlanta before too long.