Now that we are just over two weeks away from Opening Day for the 2026 MLB season, it is time to start picturing what the Atlanta Braves roster could look like. That also includes factoring in which of the Braves prospects have a real chance to reach Atlanta this year, as things stand today, and what we may be able to expect out of them this season.
Players listed in this article are guys who still have remaining prospect eligibility, so no Nacho Alvarez or Hurston Waldrep, and have at least a 50%
chance of seeing the big leagues this season – which means guys who would need everything to break right, like a Luke Sinnard, will not be included. Some of these guys, namely Didier Fuentes and Hayden Harris, have already spent some time in the big leagues, but since this is about projecting what we can expect out of them in 2026, they will be included.
Lucas Braun, RHP
Braun has 37 appearances in Double-A and three starts in Triple-A on his resume heading into 2026, which when combined with the injuries to the Braves pitching staff and health questions surrounding the remaining options, makes him a candidate to see Atlanta at some point this year. Braun is likely a bit down the options to earn a big league start, but a 24-year-old with good command and pitchability will potentially be able to handle a few spot starts without hurting the team much. It’s hard to picture him having a bigger role in Atlanta this season, but the Braves would likely be happy with him getting a few decent starts from him as they get him ready for more next year.
Blake Burkhalter, RHP
As a 25-year-old with 31 innings of experience at the Triple-A level, Burkhalter is an excellent candidate to see Atlanta at some point this year. He has moved to the bullpen full time, but he would be a guy capable of either pitching in middle relief or giving some multi-inning outings this year. He is a guy who could potentially be up for good at some point this year.
Didier Fuentes, RHP
If we are being honest, Fuentes’ time in Atlanta last year didn’t go well. The good news there is that is mostly because he was promoted before he was truly ready for it because of injuries to other arms. A year later and the now 20-year-old has looked great in limited spring training action. Through two innings of big league spring training work, he has four strikeouts with no hits or walks. The Braves may want to be extra careful with him to not end up rushing him again, but he could be ready for a backend of the rotation job by the end of this season.
Hayden Harris, LHP
Harris appeared in three games last year for the Braves, and has been excellent this spring. In his first five innings he has a 1.80 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 12 strikeouts to just two walks. Harris is competing for a big league job out of camp, and even if he doesn’t get one he could be ready soon after the start of the season. Harris could factor in as a solid lefty out of the pen earning middle relief innings quickly this season.
Jim Jarvis, INF
Jim Jarvis may not be a big prospect, but he’s an upper level minor leaguer who brings plenty of versatility and experience. He is a guy who could get a chance to be promoted and help off the bench in short stints, especially seeing how the Braves have sent him to the Arizona Fall League and have given him 14 big league at bats so far this spring.
Jhancarlos Lara, RHP
Lara spent 51 innings in Gwinnett last year, and the now 23-year-old reliever went and had a solid showing in the Arizona Fall League after the season. Although he was already sent down, he will get a chance to earn his way to Atlanta this season as a power armed reliever. He may not be ready for a late-inning role this year, but I fully expect to see him get a taste of the big leagues this year in some capacity.
David McCabe, 1B
After McCabe saw 28 games in Triple-A last year and considering he turns 26 later this month, he will be a candidate to be promoted at some point this year. It’s hard to see him getting a major role in the big leagues based on his inconsistent power production in the minors, but with his on base ability he could be a candidate for some spot starts at first base or DH if the need arises.
JR Ritchie, RHP
Ritchie reached Triple-A last year and is off to a very strong start to his spring. With his 11 starts at Gwinnett last year, followed by his stuff looking even sharper this spring en route to a 3.38 ERA, 0.88 WHIP and eight strikeouts in eight innings, he is trying to compete for a spot in the initial rotation ahead of Opening Day. While the odds aren’t fully in his favor, the injuries have stacked up and he has done everything he could to show he is close to ready. It’s fair to expect Ritchie to spend a good chunk of his season in Atlanta, being a solid back of the rotation option for the Braves.
Brett Sears, RHP
After a meteoric rise across four levels in 2025, Sears got himself to the doorstep of the big leagues. He doesn’t have a ton of Triple-A or upper level minor league experience yet, but he is a guy with 84 innings between Columbus and Gwinnett and already set to turn 26 in May. Sears will have a chance to earn some spot starts, or even some relief outings this year as an older, advanced pitchability arm. I wouldn’t expect him to have a huge role in the big leagues this year, but can really picture him helping in some manner.
