In the latest Prospect Week update, the Atlanta Braves have garnered significant recognition in the ZiPS Top 100, a projection system developed by Dan Szymborski of Fangraphs. The system, which differs from the classic top 100 prospect lists, has highlighted the talent of four Braves prospects.

Leading the Braves' representation is AJ Smith-Shawver, a promising young pitcher who has impressed scouts with his performance in the minor leagues. Smith-Shawver, ranked 35th on the ZiPS Top 100 list, saw a significant jump of 28 spots compared to the Fangraphs list. His inclusion makes him the 8th-ranked pitching prospect according to the projection.

Also making an impression is Hurston Waldrep, who secured the 69th spot on the ZiPS list, 16 places higher than his Fangraphs ranking. This achievement places Waldrep as the 18th-ranked pitcher in all of baseball, highlighting his potential for future success.

Owen Murphy, despite being overlooked in some prospect rankings, emerged as the second-highest ranked Braves prospect in the ZiPS projection, sitting at 38th overall and placing ninth in the pitching prospects category. The 19-year-old Murphy showcased his talent at High-A, delivering impressive performances in his two starts. He stood out among his peers, leading all teenagers with exceptional strikeout rates and K-BB% in full-season ball.

Joining the Braves' standout prospects is Ignacio Alvarez, who secured the 96th spot on the ZiPS Top 100 list. Despite being unranked in the main Fangraphs list and other national lists, Alvarez caught the attention of the projection system with his consistent hitting and impressive on-base percentage of .395. At just 20 years old, Alvarez's high walk rates, low strikeout rates, and younger age make him an exciting prospect to watch.

While the Braves' four prospects have received noteworthy recognition in the ZiPS Top 100, the system's projections gradually diminish beyond the top 100. Nonetheless, Atlanta can celebrate their status as one of the teams with the seventh-most prospects in the top 100, further solidifying their commitment to developing young talent. Additionally, they have one more player ranked between 100 and 200, and an impressive six prospects ranked between 200 and 500, placing them among the top 25 teams in this category.

As the Braves continue to invest in their farm system and nurture their talented prospects, the team's future success appears promising. Atlanta fans can look forward to witnessing the development of these standout prospects as they strive to make their mark in the major leagues.