Beyond the Spotlight: Uncovering the Braves' Hidden Gems in 2026
Earlier this year, Baseball America unveiled their highly anticipated Top 30 Braves Prospects list for 2026, leaving fans buzzing with excitement. But what about the talented players who narrowly missed the cut? These are the stories of the next wave of Braves hopefuls, the ones waiting in the wings, ready to burst onto the scene.
We're diving deeper into the Braves' farm system to shed light on 10 prospects who, while not yet household names, possess the potential to make a significant impact in the future. Think of them as the sleepers, the diamonds in the rough, waiting to be polished. For a comprehensive look at players who just missed their respective team's Top 30 lists, check out Baseball America's complete index [https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/mlb-prospects-who-just-missed-top-30s-in-every-organization-for-2026/].
31. Owen Carey, OF: Don't let his under-the-radar signing in the 15th round of the 2024 draft fool you. Carey, a New Hampshire prep standout, boasts an impressive toolkit: blazing bat speed, athleticism, and solid contact skills. His exit velocity numbers are among the best in the Braves' system for his age. But here's where it gets interesting: Carey's aggressiveness at the plate needs refining. If he can learn to be more selective and utilize the entire field, he could develop into a solid corner outfielder, potentially even challenging for a starting role down the line.
32. Brett Sears, RHP: Sears, a Nebraska product, caught the Braves' eye with his exceptional control and command, signing for a modest $12,500 in the seventh round of the 2024 draft. His 2025 campaign was impressive, pitching across four levels, culminating in two starts at Triple-A. He posted a respectable 3.65 ERA and a 25.7% strikeout rate in 120.2 innings. Sears, a low-slot righty, relies on a diverse arsenal: a fastball topping out at 94 mph, a slider, cutter, curveball, and changeup. The question remains: Can he maintain this level of performance against more experienced hitters?
33. Drue Hackenberg, RHP: Hackenberg, a second-round pick in the 2023 draft, skyrocketed into the Braves' top 10 prospects after a stellar 2024 season. However, 2025 proved to be a setback, with a 6.81 ERA in 74 innings, mostly at Double-A. His velocity dipped slightly, sitting around 92-93 mph, though he can still touch 95-96. He complements his fastball with a mid-80s slider, cutter, and changeup. Can Hackenberg regain his 2024 form and reclaim his spot among the Braves' elite prospects?
34. Zach Royse, RHP: Royse, a three-year veteran of UTSA, signed with the Braves for $197,500 in the seventh round. His college numbers (5.17 ERA, 19.9% strikeout rate in 2025) don't jump off the page, but the Braves see potential in his fastball/slider combination. He consistently throws 93-95 mph, touching 97, and generates most of his strikeouts with his slider. The Braves are working to expand his repertoire for the 2026 season. Will this development pay off and propel Royse up the prospect ladder?
35. Luis Guanipa, OF: Guanipa, a high-profile international signing in 2023, is a speedster with above-average defensive skills in center field and a strong arm. However, his offensive production (.237/.328/.332 in three seasons) has been underwhelming. He makes consistent contact and avoids strikeouts, but needs a significant overhaul of his offensive approach to become a well-rounded player. Can Guanipa unlock his offensive potential and become a true five-tool threat?
36. Jose Perdomo, SS: Perdomo, signed for a whopping $5 million in 2024, the largest bonus ever for a Venezuelan-born prospect, has faced early challenges. Injuries limited his 2024 debut, and he struggled in the Florida Complex League in 2025 (.223/.275/.270). His strength lies in his ability to make contact, but he needs to improve both offensively and defensively to live up to his massive potential. Is Perdomo's talent enough to overcome these early hurdles?
37. Juan Espinal, OF: Espinal, signed out of the Dominican Republic for $440,000 in 2024, possesses raw power that has scouts drooling. He's already receiving 70-grade future power evaluations. However, he's struggled to translate this power into game situations in the Dominican Summer League. While he shows patience at the plate, his contact skills need significant improvement. Can Espinal refine his swing and become the power-hitting outfielder the Braves envision?
38. Jacob Shafer, RHP: Shafer, a 17th-round pick from UNC Wilmington, signed for $75,000 in 2024. Despite limited innings (64.2) in the lower minors, he's impressed with a 2.09 ERA. He relies on a low-90s fastball, an upper-80s slider, a two-seam fastball, and an occasional mid-80s changeup. Can Shafer continue to outperform expectations and climb the ranks?
39. Dayner Matos, RHP: Matos, an under-the-radar signing from Venezuela in 2025, made a solid debut in the Dominican Summer League, posting a 3.60 ERA and a 31.1% strikeout rate in 30 innings. He features a mid-90s fastball that touches 96 and a mid-80s slider with impressive spin rates. Is Matos the next hidden gem in the Braves' international pipeline?
40. Raudy Reyes, RHP: Reyes, signed for $1,797,500 out of the Dominican Republic in 2025, boasts explosive stuff. His fastball sits in the upper 90s, touching 102, and he pairs it with a mid-to-upper 80s slider. However, his control is a major concern, as evidenced by a 23.2% walk rate in the Dominican Summer League. Can Reyes harness his raw power and develop the command necessary to become a dominant pitcher?
These 10 prospects represent the future of the Braves organization, each with their own unique story and potential. Who will break out in 2026 and beyond? Which players will defy expectations and become stars? The journey is just beginning, and we can't wait to see what the future holds for these talented young athletes.
What do you think? Which of these prospects are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments below!
