<img alt="MLB: New York Mets at Atlanta Braves" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/18qrPD0TvfC_L5m9iTVsfsNCEA8=/0x0:4996x3331/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73801293/usa_today_22993572.0.jpg">
Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Mitch put together one of the strongest pitching performances in the Braves minor league system. How Acquired
Mitch Farris was acquired by the Atlanta Braves in the 2023 MLB Draft in the 14th round.
Preseason Report Card
A D2 Champion, Mitch Farris found himself focusing on pitching in 2024 while at Wingate University. Heading into the 2024 season, Mitch was a relatively unknown pitching prospect in the organization as he totaled a 16.2 innings of work in the 2023 season. Mitch pitched across two levels in 2023, ending his season at Low-A Augusta where he made two appearances and had a 16.43 K/9.
With the switch to pitching only - there was not a ton known about how Mitch would project going full time, so while there were expectations of him being a solid organizational player, there wasn’t any limelight about his prospect status going into 2024.
What We Saw in 2024
Said frankly, we saw a pitching wizard in 2024. Despite not having anything overpowering fastball, and an average to slightly above average changeup and curveball Mitch’s pitching acumen was showcased. Mitch showed an advanced approach to pitching as he was able to move through three levels in 2024. Mitch started the season at Low-A Augusta where he made 7 appearances and put together a fantastic 14.69 K/9 rate and meager 2.38 ERA and 2.17 FIP.
These fantastic numbers, again along with his pitchability, saw Mitch promoted to High-A Rome where he did more of the same. Mitch was a staple in the Rome Emperors rotation, putting together one of the more complete season amongst pitchers in the league. Mitch made 17 starts and kept his strikeout rate at 10.17, while his walk rate shrank to 2.73 per 9. Mitch was able to throw all three pitches for strikes, and often kept hitters guessing as to what he would throw next. His solid command let him put his blueprint on a Rome pitching staff that had bigger names and gave them a ton of stability in a year that saw them advance to the playoffs.
While he ultimately did not make a start in the deciding playoff series, Mitch left a fantastic impression amongst fans and more importantly Braves brass as the 14th rounder put together a season most 14th rounders don’t come close to.
2025 Outlook
Despite the fact that his three pitch mix features mainly average pitches - Mitch’s ability to command the pitches and throw them all for strikes make him a very intriguing prospect as we head into 2025. Mitch will likely spend the bulk of the season a Double-A Mississippi, where if his strikeout rate and ERA remain similar to what they were at Rome, we will begin to see his name pop up in 2026, and onwards for potential spot starts and more for the big league team. [EDITOR’S NOTE: Ah, well, about that...]
<img alt="MLB: New York Mets at Atlanta Braves" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/18qrPD0TvfC_L5m9iTVsfsNCEA8=/0x0:4996x3331/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73801293/usa_today_22993572.0.jpg">
Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Mitch put together one of the strongest pitching performances in the Braves minor league system. How Acquired
Mitch Farris was acquired by the Atlanta Braves in the 2023 MLB Draft in the 14th round.
Preseason Report Card
A D2 Champion, Mitch Farris found himself focusing on pitching in 2024 while at Wingate University. Heading into the 2024 season, Mitch was a relatively unknown pitching prospect in the organization as he totaled a 16.2 innings of work in the 2023 season. Mitch pitched across two levels in 2023, ending his season at Low-A Augusta where he made two appearances and had a 16.43 K/9.
With the switch to pitching only - there was not a ton known about how Mitch would project going full time, so while there were expectations of him being a solid organizational player, there wasn’t any limelight about his prospect status going into 2024.
What We Saw in 2024
Said frankly, we saw a pitching wizard in 2024. Despite not having anything overpowering fastball, and an average to slightly above average changeup and curveball Mitch’s pitching acumen was showcased. Mitch showed an advanced approach to pitching as he was able to move through three levels in 2024. Mitch started the season at Low-A Augusta where he made 7 appearances and put together a fantastic 14.69 K/9 rate and meager 2.38 ERA and 2.17 FIP.
These fantastic numbers, again along with his pitchability, saw Mitch promoted to High-A Rome where he did more of the same. Mitch was a staple in the Rome Emperors rotation, putting together one of the more complete season amongst pitchers in the league. Mitch made 17 starts and kept his strikeout rate at 10.17, while his walk rate shrank to 2.73 per 9. Mitch was able to throw all three pitches for strikes, and often kept hitters guessing as to what he would throw next. His solid command let him put his blueprint on a Rome pitching staff that had bigger names and gave them a ton of stability in a year that saw them advance to the playoffs.
While he ultimately did not make a start in the deciding playoff series, Mitch left a fantastic impression amongst fans and more importantly Braves brass as the 14th rounder put together a season most 14th rounders don’t come close to.
2025 Outlook
Despite the fact that his three pitch mix features mainly average pitches - Mitch’s ability to command the pitches and throw them all for strikes make him a very intriguing prospect as we head into 2025. Mitch will likely spend the bulk of the season a Double-A Mississippi, where if his strikeout rate and ERA remain similar to what they were at Rome, we will begin to see his name pop up in 2026, and onwards for potential spot starts and more for the big league team. [EDITOR’S NOTE: Ah, well, about that...]
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