The Atlanta Braves have seen plenty of players come and go through the Peach State throughout their 154-year existence. While some of those players have gone on to become unforgettable Braves legends, many others left the organization before even playing a game in an Atlanta uniform.
Although things haven't worked out for every ex-Brave who's left town, one of Atlanta's recent prospects just learned that his quest to make his MLB debut might finally be over soon.
Former Braves RHP Andrew Hoffmann's Contract Selected by Royals
On Wednesday afternoon, the Kansas City Royals announced they've selected right-handed pitcher Andrew Hoffmann's contract from Triple-A Omaha (h/t CBS Sports). The 25-year-old righty was selected by the Braves in the 12th round of the 2021 MLB June Amateur Draft.
Any Atlanta fans forgetting about Hoffmann's time with the organization likely aren't the only ones. The Joliet, IL native played parts of the 2021 and 2022 seasons in Single-A August and High-A Rome, respectively, before being traded to the Royals in a deal that saw the Braves receive 2022 MLB draft's No. 35 selection (JR Ritchie).
Since leaving the Braves, Hoffmann has pitched his way up the Royals' rankings, eventually securing a full-time job with the Omaha Storm Chasers this season. Before being promoted, the 6-foot-5 RHP had gone 2-2 with a 2.84 ERA and 37 strikeouts across 25 1/3 innings in 19 relief appearances.
Hoffmann's promotion likely stems from the Royals' upcoming series against the Detroit Tigers, who rank high in the Majors when it comes to batting average (.256, 4th) and on-base plus slugging percentage (.738, 6th) when hitting right-handed.
Although Hoffmann never played a game with the Braves, it's always nice to see a former player realize his goals. Unfortunately, Atlanta doesn't play Kansas City until the end of July, meaning Hoffman will have to survive the next two months if he wants to take on his old team.
In the meantime, the Braves will revert their attention to their ongoing series with the rival Philadelphia Phillies, which now features a doubleheader on Thursday following Wednesday's postponement due to rain.