Most fans missed the biggest bat move in the Atlanta system this week. Jordan Groshans, a 26-year-old slugger, just hit 30 home runs in the minors. That number equals half of his entire career total before this season. The promotion to the Gwinnett Stripers occurred on September 1.
The Braves are playing the Washington Nationals in a short two-game set right now. They need every bit of offensive help before facing the Philadelphia Phillies this weekend. Groshans spent the whole 2026 season with AA Columbus before this call-up. He has never been a star in the big leagues, but his numbers now scream for attention.
A Career Built on Second Chances
Groshans has bounced around five different organizations in eight years. He played for the Blue Jays, Yankees, Marlins, Athletics, and Royals. His career batting average sits at .269 across 646 minor league games. That is a long road for a player who only briefly appeared in the majors back in 2022.
He played just 17 games with the Miami Marlins that year. He batted .262 across 61 at-bats before disappearing from the big league roster. Now he is back with a new team and a completely different mindset. This 30-homer season is the best of his life.
Why 30 Home Runs Changes Everything
Thirty homers in 103 games is not a fluke. It is a massive jump in production that even Groshans did not expect. He has added 18 doubles and six triples to his stat line this year. His overall OPS sits at .932, which is solid for a power hitter.
The timing matters because the Braves need depth right now. The team expanded rosters to 28 players on September 1. This move puts Groshans in position to see big league action soon. He might not play tonight against the Nats, but the roster spot is open.
The Phillies Series Looms Large
Atlanta faces the Philadelphia Phillies in a critical series this weekend. They are on the road, which makes the need for extra power even greater. The Nationals are just a win away from beating last year’s total wins. Both teams are fighting for pride in the final stretch.
Yohandy Morales got his debut for the Nationals on the same day. He will hit fifth and play designated hitter for Washington. The Braves have their own stars ready to go. But having a fresh bat like Groshans in the mix adds a new threat.
Jorbit Vivas is back in the Nationals lineup despite being benched earlier. CJ Abrams is playing shortstop again after missing time. The Braves saw AJ Smith-Shawver on the mound after missing a lot of this season due to injury but is back now.
Groshans has spent his entire 2026 season with AA Columbus. He is now assigned to the Gwinnett Stripers to finish the year. His 30 home runs are half of his career total in the minors. That kind of growth in one season is rare for a 26-year-old player.
The Braves might look at him for next season. He has finally put it together in his age-26 season.
