Daniel Brooks wasn’t supposed to be one of the more interesting pitching prospects in the Atlanta Braves organization. In fact, when the Braves signed him as an undrafted free agent in July 2025, there wasn’t much reason for anyone outside the organization to know his name.
A little more than a year later, that’s beginning to change.
The 6-foot-7 right-hander from Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, put together one of the more intriguing pitching performances in Atlanta’s minor league system in 2026.
If his development continues, Brooks could become an unexpected addition to the Braves’ pitching plans in 2027.
His transformation didn’t happen overnight.
Brooks, a College of Charleston product and Bishop England High School graduate, made his professional debut with the Florida Complex League Braves in 2026. The early results weren’t particularly encouraging. He posted a 6.17 ERA in nine appearances, allowing eight earned runs in 11 2/3 innings.
However, Atlanta saw something worth developing.
After moving between the Florida Complex League (FCL) and Low-A Augusta, Brooks began to find his footing. The results were remarkable. In 13 appearances with the GreenJackets, he recorded a 0.65 ERA, striking out 46 batters in 27 2/3 innings.
That performance earned him a promotion to High-A Rome in August.
Brooks didn’t slow down.
He allowed just three hits and struck out 16 in 10 1/3 innings across three appearances with the Emperors, finishing his first professional season with a 1.81 ERA, 73 strikeouts and a 0.87 WHIP in 49 2/3 innings.
Perhaps the most impressive stretch came in August. According to Baseball America, Brooks made three starts and threw 20 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing six hits and one walk while striking out 32.
That’s a 47.1% strikeout rate against the hitters he faced during that stretch.
For an undrafted pitcher who began the season in the complex leagues, those numbers are difficult to ignore.
The physical tools are intriguing, too.
Brooks has an imposing 6-foot-7, 250-pound frame and throws from a high release point that can make his pitches difficult for hitters to pick up. His fastball generally sits between 92 and 94 mph, while his mid-80s slider has developed into his primary weapon.
Baseball America noted that both pitches have shown considerable bat-missing ability, with Brooks’ velocity and effectiveness improving as the season progressed.
His slider, in particular, could become the foundation of his success at higher levels.
There are reasons for caution, however.
Brooks has relatively little professional experience, and his 49 2/3 innings represent a small sample size. His early struggles in the FCL also illustrate that he still has adjustments to make. More importantly, Atlanta began stretching him out as a starter late in the season, meaning he has yet to demonstrate that he can consistently handle a full workload.
That will be one of the biggest questions entering 2027.
The encouraging part is that Brooks didn’t appear overwhelmed when the Braves moved him from the bullpen into the rotation. His three starts in August produced some of his best results of the season, suggesting there might be more upside than initially expected.
Brooks also earned recognition as a Carolina League postseason All-Star, another indication that his performance wasn’t going unnoticed.
Atlanta has invested considerable resources in developing young pitching, but sometimes the most interesting discoveries come without much fanfare. Brooks is an example of the organization potentially finding something special outside the traditional draft process.
He isn’t a finished product, and a major league opportunity in 2027 might be premature. A full season in High-A or Double-A could be exactly what he needs.
Still, the Braves have a 24-year-old pitcher with an excellent fastball-slider combination, an imposing frame and a demonstrated ability to miss bats.
Not bad for someone who entered professional baseball without hearing his name called on draft day.
If Brooks carries his 2026 momentum into next season, don’t be surprised when more people start paying attention.
