Imagine a 20th-round draft pick defying all odds and becoming a rising star in baseball. That’s the story of Eric Hartman, the Atlanta Braves’ 2024 draft selection who’s already turning heads in the minors. But here’s where it gets intriguing: How did a late-round pick from a Canadian high school not only secure a massive signing bonus but also outperform expectations in his debut season? Let’s dive into Hartman’s journey and what the future holds for this promising outfielder.
How did the Braves land Hartman?
In the 2024 MLB Draft, the Braves used their 20th-round pick (611th overall) to select Eric Hartman, an outfielder from Holy Trinity Academy in Alberta, Canada. What’s remarkable is the $337,500 signing bonus he received—far exceeding his slot value. This wasn’t just a lucky break; it was a strategic move by the Braves to outmaneuver the University of Michigan, where Hartman had committed to play college baseball. The team’s financial creativity paid off, securing a player who could have easily slipped away to the collegiate route.
What were the expectations for 2025?
When the Braves announced they’d signed all 20 of their 2024 draft picks, including Hartman, it raised eyebrows. Signing a talented position player in the final round is rare, as most opt for college to boost their draft stock. With no prior professional exposure, expectations for Hartman were modest. Yet, the Braves’ decision to invest heavily in him sparked curiosity: What did they see in this 19-year-old that others missed?
2025 Results: A Breakout Year
Hartman’s professional debut began with a hiccup. Assigned to the FCL Braves, he posted a .396 OPS in just six games while battling a minor injury. But here’s the part most people miss: After a promotion to Low-A Augusta, he exploded onto the scene. Despite being a year-and-a-half younger than his peers, Hartman delivered a .718 OPS, five home runs, and 41 RBIs in 83 games, with a wRC+ of 109. His plate discipline was impressive, striking out in 23.2% of plate appearances while walking 10.6% of the time. For a late-round pick, these numbers are nothing short of remarkable.
And this is the part that sparks debate: Is Hartman’s success a fluke, or is he the next big thing? While he occasionally struggles with breaking pitches out of the zone, his overall approach at the plate has been exceptional—especially for a player drafted so late.
2026 Outlook: What’s Next?
Hartman’s 2025 performance was so strong that, if not for a nagging injury, he might have earned a promotion to High-A Rome alongside fellow outfielder Owen Carey. Instead, the Braves will likely start him back in Augusta for a month to build momentum before the jump to High-A. Regardless, Hartman has already surpassed expectations for a 20th-round pick. Every step forward from here is a victory for Atlanta’s scouting team.
Controversial Question: Could Hartman’s success challenge how teams value late-round picks in the future? Or is his breakout an anomaly? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one prospect you’ll want to keep an eye on.
