In 2025, Didier Fuentes made his MLB debut amid a lost season for the Atlanta Braves. In four starts, Fuentes went 0-3 with a 13.85 ERA. As with many young pitchers, Fuentes struggled with command and the long ball. In only 13.0 innings, he walked six batters and gave up six home runs.
After just four starts, the Braves had seen enough and sent him back down to the minors for the remainder of the season in early July. Spring training gave Fuentes a chance to make an impression. Unexpectedly, he made the Opening Day roster and was set to be part of Atlanta’s bullpen. After making his season debut on March 29, the Braves sent him back down to the Gwinnett Stripers in hopes of him becoming a starter once again.
He made his first (and only) start of the season against the Washington Nationals on April 22. In that game, he pitched three innings, allowing seven hits and four earned runs. However, he did strike out seven and allow only one walk. While Fuentes didn’t have the best start, it was clear he had a future in the bullpen.
Fuentes Has Been Used in a Variety of Ways
Despite the inconsistencies of Atlanta’s starting pitchers, they haven’t given Fuentes another look this season. However, he does have the capability to do so, but the Braves see him as the best fit for the bullpen. Among his 48 appearances out of the bullpen (through Sept. 2), Fuentes has thrown at least two innings nine times. His ability to cover multiple innings has allowed Atlanta to save other arms in the bullpen.
While he ranks second on the Braves in innings pitched, Fuentes’ 48 appearances out of the bullpen rank him fourth on the team. Of course, his role has shifted because Robert Suarez was recently placed on the 60-day IL. The thing is, the Braves haven’t found a stable role for Fuentes, which begs the question of where they see him long-term. It appears his days as a starter are over, but there are multiple ways to use him out of the bullpen.
With his ability to pitch multiple innings in each appearance, a long relief role could suit him well. The downside is fewer appearances overall. Typically, long relief pitchers are put in the game due to the starter getting injured or performing poorly. Moreover, this role would take away Fuentes’ ability to pitch in high-leverage situations. Most of his appearances come in medium-leverage situations, but Fuentes has proven he can be effective in high-leverage situations as well. In 15.1 high-leverage innings this season, Fuentes has struck out 21 batters to only six walks allowed.
With Suarez injured, Fuentes has pitched in the 7th inning or later 23 times. He has proven to be one of the Braves’ most trustworthy relievers this season. With Raisel Iglesias set to become a free agent after the 2026 season, Atlanta could ask Fuentes to take on the closer role. While they would most likely stick Suarez in that spot, Fuentes can become a good one with his improved stuff and command.
Fuentes’ Improved Velocity and Command
In 2025, Fuentes’ fastball velocity (96.0 MPH) was in the 77th percentile. While the velocity was good, his fastball was getting hit hard. This limited his strikeout rate to just 17.4%, and he hit 4.2 home runs per nine innings. It didn’t help that he didn’t use his secondary pitches very often, as he threw his fastball 58% of the time.
2026 has been a complete transformation. His fastball velocity improved to 97.2 MPH, but that’s not the full story. Fuentes’ strikeout rate doubled to 31.2%. Moreover, his barrel rate and hard-hit rates have improved tremendously. Simply put, Fuentes took a big step forward this season, which has allowed him to be one of the top arms in the Braves’ bullpen.
Because his fastball has improved, Fuentes is throwing it more this season. Among all Atlanta pitchers this season, Fuentes has thrown his fastball the most. He ranks third on the team behind Tyler Mahle and Chris Sale (as of Sept. 2) in total fastballs thrown. However, both of them throw it less than 50% of the time.
Along with Kade Anderson of the Seattle Mariners, Fuentes is the youngest active pitcher in MLB. He still has plenty of time to improve. If the Braves feel confident in his development, they can deploy him as a closer or setup man in the future. His role has plenty of possibilities moving forward. It’s on the Braves to figure out the correct role for him in years to come.
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