Eric Hartman’s rise in the Braves’ system has come fast, but Double-A has still been the place where he’s had to prove he can handle the grind.
A 20th-round pick in the 2024 MLB Draft out of Holy Trinity High School in Canada, Hartman was barely on the radar for most fans not long ago. That’s changed in a hurry. He’s now sitting near the top of Atlanta’s prospect lists, and the reason is obvious: the production has taken a serious jump in 2026.
After a first full pro season in 2025 that was solid mostly for one thing - speed - Hartman has turned into a much more complete hitter this year. He posted a .240 average with five homers, 17 doubles, 42 RBI, 48 stolen bases and a .699 OPS over 89 games last season. In 2026, those numbers have climbed to a .268/.364/.495 line with 21 doubles, 26 homers, 71 RBI, 48 stolen bases and an .859 OPS.
That’s a massive leap in power and overall output, and he’s done it over enough of the season to make it matter. This isn’t just a hot stretch; it’s been one of the strongest minor league seasons the organization has ever seen.
The test, though, came after his promotion to Double-A Columbus. Hartman hit a rough patch there, with his average sinking to .210 on August 21 and only one extra-base hit across 17 games.
But he’s started to straighten it out. Over his last four games, the right-hander has piled up two doubles, two home runs and seven RBI.
That kind of response matters. It shows he can make adjustments when pitchers start getting the upper hand.
The Clingstones even made sure people noticed.
Y’all should’ve seen it live 😎😳 https://t.co/JSPJamvOjp
- Columbus Clingstones (@GoClingstones) August 23, 2026
The stolen bases are still part of the package, too. Hartman has 10 steals since joining the Clingstones, and his ability to keep getting on base has kept that pressure on defenses. He’s already matched his 2025 steal total and is on track to finish with more than 60.
That kind of speed would be a real weapon for Atlanta down the line. A September call-up would be fun to imagine, but that doesn’t look likely. Hartman still has development left to do before he’s ready for the big league club.
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Braves Make A Telling Lineup Call On Ronald Acua Jr
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