He Should Be Swimming in Deeper Waters in 2026

The Atlanta Braves saw an influx of shortstop talent enter their farm system in 2025, but amid the attention surrounding newly drafted names, one familiar prospect may end up being the most important to watch next season.

Braves No. 13 prospect John Gil quietly put together an impressive 2025 campaign, flashing elite speed, advanced contact skills, and hints of emerging power that suggest he could be on the verge of a meaningful leap in 2026.

While much of the spotlight landed on recent draft picks like Tate Southisene and Alex Lodise, Gil steadily built his case at Low-A Augusta. Over 100 games with the GreenJackets, the switch-hitting shortstop slashed .258/.352/.378, swiped 50 bases, and consistently pressured opposing defenses. His performance was strong enough to earn a late-season promotion to Double-A Columbus, where he appeared in six games to close out the year.

That quiet but productive season is exactly why Gil stands out as a prospect poised to climb in 2026.

Why John Gil Could Take a Major Step Forward in 2026

Gil’s development has followed a steady upward trajectory since signing as a low-profile international free agent. Each season, he has added a new layer to his game, and many of those elements now appear ready to converge. Still young for his level, Gil is expected to open 2026 with High-A Rome, where he will face a more challenging caliber of pitching and a truer test of his offensive growth.

Defensively, Gil already offers a strong foundation. His instincts at shortstop are advanced, his footwork is clean, and his athleticism allows him to make plays on both routine and difficult balls. That defensive reliability gives him margin for error as his bat continues to develop.

Offensively, the next step is translating strength into consistent impact. Gil has shown he can drive the ball—his 111.1 mph max exit velocity from last season confirms that raw power exists—but it has yet to show up regularly in games. As he continues to add physical strength and refine his swing, hard contact should begin turning into more extra-base hits rather than singles and ground balls.

Plate discipline has long been one of Gil’s calling cards, and that trait may be his greatest asset moving forward. His ability to control the strike zone and make frequent contact suggests he is well-equipped to handle advanced pitching, particularly as Atlanta’s player development system continues to refine his approach.

The Braves have a proven track record of developing middle infielders, especially when it comes to improving swing decisions and maximizing defensive versatility. If Gil continues on his current path—tightening his offensive approach while allowing his athleticism to play—2026 could be the season he transitions from under-the-radar prospect to a legitimate shortstop-of-the-future candidate within the organization.

At the very least, he appears ready to test deeper waters. And if the progress holds, John Gil may soon force his way into much bigger conversations about Atlanta’s long-term plans at shortstop.

Why John Gil could become the Braves’ shortstop of the future in 2026 Gil could be poised to take a meaningful step forward in 2026 as several elements of his development begin to align.

Once a low-end IFA signing, Gil has continued to improve in each of his professional baseball seasons. Still young for his level, we expect Gil to begin next season with High-A Rome. Gil has already shown advanced defensive instincts at shortstop, giving him a strong foundation to build upon as his bat continues to mature.

Improved physical strength should allow him to drive the ball with more authority, turning hard contact into consistent extra-base production rather than simply relying on his above average contact skills. Last season, Gil recorded a max exit velocity of 111.1 mph, showing that power is already part of his profile; it is simply a matter of allowing it to play more consistently in games.

Additionally, Gil’s plate discipline has long been a strong suit, suggesting he may be well equipped to handle more advanced pitching in 2026. The Braves’ player development system also plays a significant role in his outlook. Atlanta has a strong track record of refining infield prospects, particularly when it comes to swing decisions and defensive versatility.

If Gil continues to tighten his approach and translate his athleticism into more consistent offensive results, 2026 could represent a breakout season that elevates him from an overlooked prospect to legitimate shortstop of the future within the organization.