News Summary
The Atlanta Braves have made a historic move by calling up undrafted pitcher Hayden Harris from Triple-A Gwinnett. After an impressive performance through the Braves’ minor league system, Harris is set to join the bullpen as the team gears up for the season. His journey from being undrafted to the big leagues showcases the Braves’ commitment to developing talent from diverse backgrounds, and fans are already drawing comparisons to past players as they anticipate his debut.
Atlanta Braves Make History with Call-Up of Undrafted Pitching Prospect Hayden Harris
The Atlanta Braves have officially called up Hayden Harris, an undrafted pitching prospect, from Triple-A Gwinnett. Harris, who has shown remarkable promise in the Braves’ minor league system, is poised to join the team’s bullpen as they approach the midpoint of the 2025 MLB season.
Born on March 2, 1999, in Augusta, GA, Harris played collegiate baseball at Georgia Southern University, where he recorded a career record of 8-7 with a 5.30 earned run average (ERA) over 95 appearances, including eight starts. After the 2022 MLB Draft, where he went undrafted, Harris sought opportunities to showcase his talent and joined a summer team, the Savannah Bananas. Through his proactive approach, he connected with a Braves scout via LinkedIn, ultimately leading to his signing with the organization.
Since being signed, Harris has progressed through the Braves’ minor league system, pitching at three different levels (A, A+, and AA) during the 2023 season. He was later promoted from Double-A to Triple-A in 2024, where he initially struggled with a 7.36 ERA in 22 innings. However, a turning point came in 2025 when Harris began the season with Double-A Columbus, allowing only two earned runs in 22.2 innings.
His impressive performance continued after he was promoted to Triple-A Gwinnett, where he pitched 25.1 innings and posted a remarkable ERA of 0.36, allowing just one earned run. In this stretch, he recorded 36 strikeouts against only nine walks and faced 21 baserunners. Harris primarily relies on three pitches: a fastball, which he throws 69.2% of the time, a sweeper (23.3%), and a splitter (4.7%).
Among his standout metrics, Harris averages 91.5 mph on his four-seam fastball, which has proven difficult for opponents to hit, with a batting average against of only .111. His unique pitching style features a low Vertical Approach Angle (VAA), which contributes to his effectiveness. The sweeper has particularly stood out, allowing a minuscule batting average of .056, while his splitter has yet to allow a hit in limited appearances. He boasts a combined 28% whiff rate for his fastball and splitter, along with an impressive 52.2% whiff rate for the sweeper.
Braves’ Roster Adjustments
As part of the roster moves accompanying Harris’ call-up, the Braves sent right-hander Hunter Stratton to the minors and designated righty Wander Suero for assignment. This strategic decision reflects the team’s effort to bolster its bullpen with the addition of Harris, who is seen as an exciting left-handed relief option.
Harris’ ascension to the big league roster marks a significant milestone in his career, as it is his first time joining the major league team. The Braves maintain control over his contract through the 2026 season, providing them with an opportunity to develop him further as a valuable asset in the future. Fans have begun to draw comparisons between Harris’ debut and that of fellow pitcher AJ Minter, who made a splash in his own right in 2017, hinting at high expectations from the emerging prospect.
Conclusion
The Braves’ decision to call up Hayden Harris demonstrates their commitment to developing talent from within the organization, especially from non-traditional paths. With his recent performances and unique skill set, Harris is set to make his mark in the majors, contributing to the Braves’ aspirations for continued success in the upcoming seasons.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Hayden Harris Joins Atlanta Braves Roster
Additional Resources
- Georgia Southern University News
- MLB Trade Rumors
- WJCL News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hayden Harris
- WJBF News
- Google Search: Hayden Harris
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
