How Acquired
Blake was selected in the second comp round of the 2022 MLB draft – overall the 76th pick.
What Were Expectations?
After a very impressive stint at Rome to end the 2024 season there were lofty expectations for Blake – especially since he would be more than a full year removed from Tommy John surgery. The biggest goals I had for Blake for this season would be to pitch a full season, and show sustained command and velocity on his fastball and cutter throughout the season. With a fringy curveball
and average changeup, his ability to locate the two previous pitches was going to be a huge marker for a successful season.
2025 Results
It’s safe to call Blake’s season a success. He maintained a 3.13 ERA across 14 starts for the Columbus Clingstones while striking out eight hitters per nine. The walk rate increased just a bit, sitting at 3.63 walks per nine, but his cutter really shined. He was able to throw it to both sides of the plate and as a result was able to drop in his off speed stuff to induce weak contact. He was rewarded with a promotion to Triple-A Gwinnett where, already at a career high in innings, he began to naturally slow down just a bit. His velocity would dip the deeper he got into games and as a result the walk rate increased, before he was ultimately moved to the bullpen to slow down the amount of innings he was accruing.
He battled some shoulder issues later in the season which also impacted the results but was able to end the season as healthy as a pitcher could, and regained that velocity – ending the season with great promise.
What Went Right?
Blake’s cutter. It looked phenomenal at times. Blake was able to locate it against lefties and righties on both sides of the plate and induced extremely weak contact off of it. He then was able to flash his four seam in the upper third very well to generate whiffs.
What Went Wrong?
His arm slowing down a bit towards the end of the season brought up a little reliever risk discussion. At 103 innings pitched you definitely wanted to see him hold the velocity throughout the season a little better if he wants to be a starter.
2026 Outlook
I think the expectation for Blake is to be in the big leagues next year. Blake is Rule 5 Eligible, so the Braves must make a decision on if they want to add him to the 40-man roster or risk losing him in the draft. The Braves must also decide if they wish to move him to the bullpen full time, which opens him up to potentially starting the season in Atlanta, or they look to build off of the career high in innings and keep him as a starter. Whichever the route, there is an expectation that Blake finds himself in the majors in 2026.
