Atlanta Braves: Expectations for Huascar Ynoa in 2024 and Beyond

The Atlanta Braves have some starters who are expected to be out in 2024 already with injuries, but Huascar Ynoa is one who could be back and help in a big way. 

Starting pitching depth will once again be key to getting through the 162-game grind of a Major League Baseball season. 

As Alex Anthopoulos not only looks to upgrade the rotation behind aces Spencer Strider and Max Fried, he's also looking to add to that rotation depth. One arm that could help in that regard is Huascar Ynoa. 

We haven't heard much about the 25-year-old righty since he had successful Tommy John surgery in September in 2022. The average timetable to recover from TJ surgery is 12-18 months, meaning there is a chance he could be ready to start the 2024 season or not long after. 

Of course, even with the success rates for pitchers coming back from TJ surgery, it's usually a year or so before they regain command. But this is certainly a guy who could figure into the Braves plans next season. 

In 2021 he posted a 4.05 ERA and 1.11 WHIP in 91 innings with 100 strikeouts. Things were going great for him to begin that season before he decided to punch a wall after a rough outing in Milwaukee that caused him to miss some time. 

He was still solid when he initially came back, but struggled down the stretch and that carried over into the 2022 season. To open the year, he gave up 10 runs in two starts before getting demoted to Triple-A where his struggles continued before having TJ surgery. 

Before surgery, Ynoa featured a 4-seam fastball that averaged over 96 MPH and a slider that got whiff rates above 30 percent. 

The question at the time for Ynoa is if he could develop a third pitch to remain a starter, or if he was destined for a bullpen role. That two-pitch mix of a high-velocity fastball and good slider is typically made for the bullpen. 

As the Braves look to ease him back into the fold in 2024, there is a chance they could use him in both roles to limit his innings and depth in two areas the team could really need it next season. Ynoa does have a minor league option left, so the Braves could send him back to Triple-A to get back up to speed. 

Walks are something that were a bit of a problem for Ynoa even before the injury with a BB/9 over 4 throughout the minors. 

With command usually taking a while to come back, that will be something to keep an eye on. 

Expecting much from Ynoa in 2024 wouldn't be wise, but he has the framework and ability to help in multiple ways if he can quickly regain form. 

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