The Atlanta Braves have a reputation for aggressive promotions with their rising prospects. Often times it has paid off. The first examples fans think of are recent success stories in Spencer Schwellenbach and 2022 Rookie of the Year Michael Harris II. However, the youngest player to debut for the Braves this season didn’t collect the same benefits as those previously mentioned.

Didier Fuentes (Braves no. 9 prospect according to MLB Pipeline) debuted this season at just 20 years of age. An injury riddled rotation forced the Braves hand in calling Fuentes up in late June, and Fuentes quickly showcased why the promotion was premature. Across four big league starts, Fuentes surrendered 20 earned runs in 13 innings. These poor performances led to his eventual demotion back to Triple-A Gwinnett back in early July.

Thankfully, Fuentes didn’t dwell on his big league struggles and immediately got to work in Gwinnett’s rotation. The results that have followed are a great reminder as to why Fuentes is one of the highest ceiling arms in the Braves’ system.

Fuentes has been dominant on the mound in the minors since the Braves learned from their mistake

The mental side of baseball is every bit as critical for young players as the physical demand. To his credit, Fuentes has showcased his strong mental fortitude since he arrived back in Gwinnett. In the four starts that have occurred since his return, Fuentes has allowed four hits or less in three of those starts.

In his last two starts, Fuentes has pitched 11 innings of one-run ball, and racked up 16 strikeouts compared to just two walks in those starts. The Braves’ farm system is rich with pitching, but Fuentes’ success recently should give Atlanta confidence that he will enter 2026 with a legit shot at establishing himself as a ready Major Leaguer.

Hurston Waldrep is the latest example of how a pitching prospect’s stock can go through peaks and valleys rather quickly. What’s important is the Braves coaches learning which pitchers have the capacity to struggle, then adjust accordingly and become effective pitchers once again. Didier Fuentes’ past few starts with the Stripers have certainly proven he can bounce back.