Atlanta Braves prospect Spencer Schwellenbach is generating plenty of buzz this spring, landing on ESPN’s “10 Players Scouts Are Buzzing About” list from Jeff Passan. His rapid development is proving that the Braves’ farm system remains one of the most underrated in baseball.
Schwellenbach’s journey to this point has been anything but traditional. Originally a shortstop and closer at Nebraska, the Braves selected him in the second round of the MLB Draft and converted him into a full-time starting pitcher. That move is already paying off. After beginning the 2024 season in High-A, Schwellenbach rocketed through the minor leagues, making just eight starts across High-A and Double-A before debuting in Atlanta, where he posted an impressive 3.35 ERA over 21 starts.
The 24-year-old righty stands out for his ability to mix pitches and command the strike zone. Unlike many young pitchers who rely on overpowering stuff, Schwellenbach thrives on deception, utilizing a deep six-pitch arsenal that includes a four-seam fastball, two-seam fastball, slider, cutter, curveball, and splitter. This variety keeps hitters off-balance and allows him to navigate lineups with the poise of a veteran. Scouts believe he has even more room to grow, which is promising news for a Braves team looking to dominate a stacked NL East.
With the Braves aiming for another deep postseason run, Schwellenbach is expected to be a key piece in the rotation. While the top of Atlanta’s staff remains strong with Spencer Strider and Max Fried, Schwellenbach’s continued development could provide much-needed depth and help offset any potential injuries or inconsistencies from the back end of the rotation.
Spring training performances can sometimes be misleading, but in Schwellenbach’s case, scouts believe the hype is real. If his progression continues, the Braves may have uncovered yet another homegrown gem, further strengthening their bid for a World Series title.