The Atlanta Braves are a development factory. There’s really no denying it at this point. Despite boasting a farm system that has consistently ranked in the bottom 10 in baseball for several years, they continue to pump out elite talent at an alarming rate, with the latest example being Hurston Waldrep, who has quickly blossomed into a potential frontline starter.
The Braves are not done yet either. They have a plethora of really intriguing arms on the cusp of the majors. JR Ritchie starred in the Futures Game and has had an incredible season. It’s very likely he makes his debut in 2026 and could have a similar impact as guys like Waldrep, Spencer Strider, and AJ Smith-Shawver.
Didier Fuentes is another prospect to watch. His cup of coffee in the majors didn’t go well this year, but he just turned 20-years-old. Most prospects his age are still figuring it out in High-A ball. He’s got a tremendous future in front of him and could become a permanent fixture in Atlanta next year as well.
However, neither of those guys were dubbed one of the top nine starters in AAA by The Athletic’s stat guru Eno Sarris. That title belongs to hard-throwing 22-year-old — Jhancarlos Lara.
Jhancarlos Lara, RHP, Atlanta Braves
Lara is probably a reliever in the long run, but the Braves are still trying him as a starter. He does have a four-pitch mix, and obviously the stuff is enticing, particularly with the cutter and sinker. But as the 20 percent walk rate indicates — and the location numbers support — he just doesn’t have the command on any of his pitches to offer much optimism that he can put them all together and turn over lineups multiple times.
There are a couple of things to note about Jhancarlos Lara. Most importantly, while his stuff pops off the screen — featuring a heater north of 100 MPH and one of the nastiest sliders in the game — his control is essentially non-existent.
Lara is walking 8.3 batters per nine innings this season. Which is why, despite being an incredible talent, he boasts an unsightly 7.44 ERA. Additionally, as Sarris notes above, the Braves have primarily used Lara as a reliever this season. He’s made 29 appearances in 2025, but only nine of them have been starts. At least for now, it seems he is destined for the bullpen.
That said, there’s nothing wrong with that. Guys that can throw 100+ MPH in relief are extremely valuable, and the Braves could desperately use a little more velocity coming out of the bullpen. Jhancarlos Lara is another prospect that could find a role for himself in Atlanta as early as next season.
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Photo: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
