JR Ritchie, ranked as the No. 2 prospect in the Atlanta Braves organization by MLB Pipeline, is on the brink of making his Major League debut. The 22-year-old pitcher has shown remarkable growth over the past year, moving through the Braves’ farm system while posting a 2.64 ERA in 26 combined starts across three levels.
Ritchie’s impressive performance has strengthened the Braves’ starting pitching depth, and he is expected to receive an invitation to big league Spring Training in 2026. This marks a significant milestone for the young right-hander, who aims to follow in the footsteps of other successful Braves pitchers.
Rapid Ascent Through the Braves’ System
Ritchie was selected by the Braves with the 35th overall pick in the 2022 Draft, but his path has not been without challenges. After undergoing Tommie John surgery in 2023, he returned to the mound with innings restrictions in 2024. This past season, with those restrictions lifted, he excelled in the Minor Leagues.
His journey included dominating the High-A level and proving himself in Double-A. Ritchie finished the 2025 season with a 3.02 ERA over 11 starts for Triple-A Gwinnett. Despite a 11.1% walk rate at that level, which may indicate fatigue or a need for further development, his talent and durability have been evident.
The Braves’ recent history with young pitchers bodes well for Ritchie. In recent seasons, pitchers such as Spencer Strider and Bryce Elder have made significant impacts, with Strider earning recognition as one of the league’s top strikeout artists in his rookie season and Elder becoming an All-Star in 2023. Ritchie could follow suit, potentially making a midseason impact similar to Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep.
A Promising Future Ahead
Ritchie’s rise is remarkable, considering his humble beginnings as a 5-foot-4 seventh grader aspiring to be the next Brett Favre. Since then, he has grown to 6 feet 2 inches, showcasing his physical development alongside his pitching skills. He initially gained attention for his fastball, which can reach up to 91 mph, and a curveball clocked at 78 mph.
After a disrupted sophomore season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ritchie excelled in his final years at Bainbridge High School in Washington. His talent earned him a signing bonus of $2.4 million from the Braves, and he has since dedicated himself to the sport.
As he reflects on his journey, Ritchie has noted the influence of former Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson, even joking about his attempts to mimic Swanson’s hairstyle during his teenage years. “I started growing my hair out when I was about 15 years old because of Dansby,” Ritchie shared. “Really, I wanted Dansby’s hair. I didn’t get it. My hair was too curly. It was worth a shot.”
This season may be the year the Braves decide to give Ritchie a chance at the Major League level, as he continues to develop into a promising young pitcher. With his skills, determination, and the Braves’ support, he is well on his way to becoming a key player in the franchise’s future.
