The Braves may have found two more fast-rising pieces in their 2025 draft class, and both are making noise in the Arizona Fall League.
Top pick Tate Southisene and right-hander Briggs McKenzie have played their way into AFL All-Star selections, a strong sign of how quickly they’re moving. Southisene has stood out with loud exit velocities and advanced on-base ability, while McKenzie has climbed into the league strikeout chase even though he’s the youngest pitcher in the AFL.
McKenzie’s latest outing summed up the run he’s on. On Tuesday, he worked four scoreless innings and struck out six, a strong finish after a couple of shaky starts to open his fall. In six starts, he has piled up 25 strikeouts, the second-most in the league this fall.
Southisene has been just as eye-catching in his own way. Through 13 games, he’s hit .341/.482/.432 and shown off his speed. His plate discipline, barrel rate and athleticism have fueled plenty of buzz about his long-term fit at shortstop, a position the Braves could use help at on the big league level.
For McKenzie, the fall has also been a chance to get back on the mound after injuries limited his 2026 workload. His appeal is easy to see: simple, repeatable mechanics, strong command and elite spin rates. That combination is a big reason Atlanta is so high on the overslot pick.
Neither player is likely to reach Atlanta in 2027, but both are forcing the issue with how well they’re performing now. And even with the uncertainty of a possible winter lockout, minor league baseball can still move forward as scheduled, giving Southisene and McKenzie a chance to keep stacking development and inch closer to the majors.
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