Cobb Reporter

On the heels of a season where he experienced success at three different minor league levels, the Atlanta Braves hope Bryce Elder makes a Big League jump in the 2022 season.

"I'm pleased with where we're at, and I'm going to try to continue on that path," Elder said on Braves' website.

Braves took Elder in the fifth round of the 2020 MLB Draft. Elders had also crossed paths with Langeliers, who was taken with the ninth overall pick in 2019 while they were both growing up. During the time, Elders played for Texas, and Langeliers played for Baylor.

Elder showed his competitive nature while producing a 2.75 ERA over 25 starts at three levels this year. "I think I need to make each pitch a little better and not try to do too much," Elder said. "Just do the right things and slowly get better."

The 6-foot-2, 220-pound right-hander impressed during his collegiate career at the University of Texas and won the 2021 Phil Niekro Award, which is annually given to the top Minor League pitcher within Atlanta's system. "Coming into [2021], I knew he had it like that," Braves catching prospect Shea Langeliers said. "He has the mentality to be a really successful starting pitcher and he's not afraid. When he's on the mound, my job is really easy because he knows what he's doing out there."