MLB Rumors: Braves prospect pressure, Cardinals target is hurt, Cubs trade grade
By Mark Powell
MLB Rumors: Pressure is on Braves prospect AJ Smith-Shawver
AJ Smith-Shawver is a former seventh-round pick and doesn’t turn 21 years old until November. Nonetheless, he’s also excelled at every minor-league level, so much so that the Braves felt they had no option but to add him to the big-league roster.
With that in mind, expect Smith-Sawver to start out in the bullpen. Max Fried did the same in his first few years in the majors as he adjusted to the big leagues. Atlanta just lost a series to the lowly Oakland Athletics, so some good news was needed. Smith-Sahwver’s Braves teammates had plenty of good things to say about him right out of the gate.
“It’s pretty real stuff right out of the gate,” Mike Soroka said.
“He looked really good,” Strider said.
With Soroka and Jared Shuster filling out the rotation, starting pitcher is not as big of a need as it used to be in the ATL. Bullpen, however, is. Raisel Iglesias has been inconsistent, and A.J. Minter hasn’t been…well, A.J. Minter this year. Smith-Shawver, who owns a 1.09 ERA across 33 innings at three separate levels in 2023, along with a 12.3 K/9, could be a valuable addition. Still Brian Snitker won’t shut the door on Smith-Shawver starting at some point this year. That’s where the Braves see him long term.
“I’d be surprised if he doesn’t make a start this year at some point in time. If he does and he’s already had some experience taking the mound before, I think it’ll be an easier transition for him,” Snitker said.
Safe to say, Atlanta has high expectations for Smith-Shawver. No pressure, kid.