Track Record: Polo signed with the Braves out of Colombia in 2022 and has been a reliable strike-thrower in three seasons. While pitching in the Dominican Summer League, Florida Coast League and Carolina League from 2022-2024, Polo never had a walk rate worse than 7.6%. In 2024, he posted a 5.16 ERA over 12 starts and 59.1 innings with Low-A Augusta while showing strong peripherals, including a 20.5% strikeout rate and 5.4% walk rate.
Scouting Report: Polo is more physical than his listed 6-foot-1, 150 pounds and works from the third base side of the rubber with a loose arm action and three-quarters slot. He has great feel for a three-pitch mix that starts with a 90-94 mph fastball that has touched 95. While it’s not a swing-and-miss heater, Polo threw it for strikes at a 71% clip and is confident attacking the top of the zone and using it to get ahead in counts. His mid-80s gyro slider and mid-80s changeup were both solid secondaries. They generated swinging strike rates north of 22% and should allow him to find success vs. both lefties and righties. Polo has above-average control and threw strikes at a 68% rate in his age-19 season.
The Future: Polo’s advanced command gives him starter upside. Building strength and adding more power to his fastball will be among his goals for 2025, and he’s a breakout candidate for both the Braves and external scouts.