TV broadcast updates and some award recognition for Braves prospects.
Braves to play on newly named FanDuel Sports Network next season
Never-ending TV broadcast drama between Major League Baseball and Diamond Sports Group (parent company of Bally Sports) saw another development recently. It was reported on Friday morning that Diamond Sports Group has agreed to a long-term partnership with FanDuel, one of the countries largest sports betting sites.
The agreement includes naming rights which means the Atlanta Braves will play the majority of their games on FanDuel Sports Network South/Southeast next season. Just how available the network will be to cable providers and streaming services remains to be seen.
Diamond Sports Group (parent company of Bally Sports) announced a long-term partnership with FanDuel, which includes naming rights.
The Braves will play on FanDuel Sports Network South and FanDuel Sports Network Southeast.
— Justin Toscano (@JustinCToscano) October 18, 2024
Drake Baldwin and Lucas Braun selected as MLB Pipeline’s Braves prospects of the Year
Each team’s position player and pitching prospect of the year was announced via MLB Pipeline on Thursday morning. The Braves saw catching prospect Drake Baldwin predictably win the position player award for the organization.
Baldwin’s numbers speak for themselves as he quickly ascended up the Braves system. Baldwin’s opposite field power and advanced plate discipline could shine in Atlanta soon enough.
Because rookie phenom Spencer Schwellenbach has graduated from the prospect list, the winning pitcher may have been someone who flew under the radar in 2024 for most casual Braves fans. Lucas Braun was a sixth round pick in the 2023 Draft and is currently ranked as the 21st best prospect in the Braves system.
Braun will likely shoot up those rankings after the 2024 season he had. He led Braves minor leagues in strikeouts (162), xFIP (3.25). Braun also stepped up his game once he was promoted to Double-A Mississippi where he pitched to a 2.38 ERA in just under 80 innings of work.
Schwellenbach listed on All-Rookie Team
Finally, we close with MLB Pipeline’s All-Rookie team which featured one Atlanta Brave. Unsurprisingly, it went to talented pitcher Spencer Schwellenbach who was named to the MLB Pipeline All-Rookie Second team.
Funny enough Schwellenbach may have earned a first team selection alongside Paul Skenes had 31 year-old Shota Imanaga not pitched as well as he did for the Cubs. Regardless, Schellenbach’s dominance and future potential has fans buzzing about what he can do in 2025. It’s exactly why I think the Braves should get out ahead with one of their patented early extensions for the former Cornhusker.
