With the Atlanta Braves' 2025 season continuing to circle the drain, fans are searching for any possible distraction. This includes tracking former players from the heights of current New York Yankees ace Max Fried down to former top prospects. This includes pitcher Ryan Cusick, who has been bouncing around the league since leaving Atlanta. If the name sounds familiar, it is likely due to the fact that the pitcher is a former Braves first-round selection and was included in the team's package to the Athletics in exchange for Matt Olson.
After failing with the A's, the pitcher was claimed by the Detroit Tigers before quickly falling out of favor and, most recently, being claimed by the Chicago White Sox. It is an awful roster best suited to finding out if there is possibly anything still to be gained by having the former Brave on an active roster. Cusick was once a highly thought of piece that became pivotal to Atlanta landing Matt Olson. However, the pitcher's struggles also illustrate the dangers of focusing too heavily on your system.
Ryan Cusick is a Glaring Example of the Dangers of Overvaluing Prospects
In no way is this meant to argue against the importance of scouting and building out a strong system. Atlanta's current roster is evidence of the value of this. However, it is important to remember that prospects are just that, and when given the chance to part ways with unproven players for a star, teams should rarely hesitate.
This is especially the case for Olson, who was in the prime of his career when the Braves made the move. Spending valuable prospects for a player that would be pivotal to a great 2023 season. Adding Olson cost the franchise, but as the pieces continue to develop it is clear the Braves won the trade for the star first baseman.
For Cusick, this is the best possible landing spot with the worst team in the American League. It serves as a chance to earn playing time and is as low-pressure a situation as you will find at this level. If the starter is ever going to put things together, it will be in Chicago's system.