Hayden Harris’ Fastball Links Him As Atlanta Braves’ Bullpen Prospect

Hayden Harris throws hard, both on the mound and on social media. A bold Linked In account inquiry helped him get signed by the Atlanta Braves. His fastball has him on the cusp of realizing his big-league dream.

Harris is not highly ranked by many “experts” reporting on minor-league prospects. Most gloss over his achievements, figuring that at age 26 he can’t be considered a prospect.

But what is a prospect other than a player performing at a high level in the minors that gives him a shot at making the majors. Harris checks the box on that one.

In 21 relief outings this year, the left-hander has a 4-0 record, 0.68 earned run average and 3 saves, mostly for the Double-A Columbus (GA) Clingstones. He has struck out 39 and allowed only 12 hits and 9 walks over 26 1/3 innings. That’s spectacular in any league for anybody at any age.

In 2004 in Double-A ball, he had similar success: 2-1, 1 save, 1.74 ERA, 34 strikeouts in 20 2/3 innings. Promoted to the Triple-A Gwinnett Stripers, he got rocked: 1-3, 7.36 ERA in 22 games. Sent to the 2024 Arizona Fall League, he was hit harder.

Thus far in three outings since being promoted again to Gwinnett this month, all is good; 0 earned runs and 1 hit allowed in 3 2/3 innings. Has he learned and improved? The Braves will be watching with anticipation.

Battered Braves Bullpen

Atlanta entered the season with great expectations yet trail the first-place New York Mets by 11 games in the NL Central. An 0-7 start put them in immediate distress. A 23-15 run got them over .500. A 4-15 collapse put them at 27-37 on June 8. A 6-2 spurt now has them at 33-39.

Poor relief pitching, particularly by closer Raisel Iglesias, has been at the core of many losses. Here’s where the Atlanta bullpen ranks so far in 2025 and for all of 2024:

2025 saves: 7 (29^th) compared to 2024 saves: 40 (tied-14^th)

2025 ERA: 3.85 (17^th) compared to 2024 ERA: 3.32 (third)

2025 whip: 1.25 (tied-14^th) compared to 2024 whip: 1.18 (5^th)

2025 walks: 157 (first) compared to 2024 walks: 90 (tied-9^th)

2025 strikeouts: 228 (tied-23^rd) compared to 2024 strikeouts: 594 (15^th)

Iglesias has been a train wreck at the back end with a 5.93 ERA, 8 saves, 4 blown saves and a 4-5 record. A year ago, he had a 6-2 record, 1.95 ERA and 34 saves.

Two other key components of the 2024 relief corps are missing. A.J. Minter signed with the Mets as a free agent; Joe Jimenez is out after having knee surgery last November.

Atlanta brought back former star closer Craig Kimbrel. He lasted one day. More changes will likely be forthcoming.

Linking Up

Harris’ profile on the Linked In network reads: I am a current baseball player in the Atlanta Braves organization and am a graduate with a BBA from Georgia Southern University. I consider myself a very dedicated worker when the job sparks my interest, and I am very strong in communication skills, as well as teamwork. I know the importance of a strong team in a business, and also what it takes to be coachable.

After being ignored in the 2022 MLB Draft, Harris wrote this message to Alan Butts, the Braves’ area scout in Georgia:

“Hey Alan, wanted to reach out and introduce myself. I’m Hayden Harris. I’m looking for a pro opportunity. I’m up in the Draft League with the Frederick Keys. Finished up my five years at Georgia Southern. Just trying to get in contact with whoever I can. If you need data, video, contacts or references, don’t hesitate. I’m a hometown guy from Augusta and would love an opportunity to play in the Braves organization. Thank you for your time.”

Butts was familiar with Harris and suggested the Braves take a chance on the six-foot, 185-pounder. “More than anything, he’s got great makeup that fits the Braves organization,” Butts told Justin Toscano of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution in early 2024.

The Mad Hungarian

Al Hrabosky’s over-the-top confidence made him a fan favorite and successful reliever for the St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Royals and Braves from 1970 through 1982. He was built like Harris at 5-11, 185 pounds and basically threw only a good fastball and sinker.

In 13 MLB seasons, he had a 64-325 record, 97 saves and 3.10 ERA. His best year was 1975: a 13-3 record, 22 saves and 1.66 ERA for St. Louis.

Hrabosky got the nickname “The Mad Hungarian” for his demeanor on the mound. Entering a game, he turned his back on home plate, pounded the ball repeatedly into his glove, then whirled around with the wild-eyed look of a crazed warrior ready for battle.

Harris displays his confidence in subtler ways. He posted this two years ago:

“If you’re not confident, how can you expect to be good at anything? Just like you build your body, build your mind. One step, one day at a time. You’ll find it, you just have to be willing to look.”

Scouting This Atlanta Braves Prospect

Harris does not dazzle anybody with his stuff, is inconsistent in throwing strikes, yet has fanned an astounding 13.7 batter per nine innings in his 108-game pro career.

His fastball generally averages only 93 mph and does not have much movement. In 2024, however, hitters swung and missed at 42% of them, according to MLB Pipeline.com, which grudgingly ranks Harris as Atlanta’s 29^th best prospect overall.

Scouts say Harris’ low-angle delivery provides enough deception to get the whiffs. Some doubt if that will continue against more experienced hitters. Others say that if Harris can throw more strikes with it and a mid-80s slider and splitter that get grounders, he can be a good one-inning setup man, particularly against lefty batters.

Harris really must develop a better changeup and split to go from Atlanta Braves prospect to Atlanta Braves relief pitcher. He will not be able to blow his fastball past big-leaguers expecting him to throw it. If he can throw low strikes with the other pitches, the heater fired up the ladder can succeed.