Braves Rumors: Soroka’s replacement, Mets prediction, next contract extension

Braves Rumors: Another extension candidate

It’s very, very early, but if Alex Anthopoulos is trying to find his next contract extension candidate, he may not have to look further than A.J. Smith-Shawver, who was just called up to the big leagues. Yes, he can’t legally drink yet, but Smith-Shawver has shown electric stuff in the majors so far. Assuming he transitions well to a starting role, it would be wise to get in contact with Smith-Shawver’s agent this offseason.

Anthopoulos has a history of signing young players to long-term contracts. Look no further than Ozzie Albies, Ronald Acuña and Spencer Strider. Some of those contracts may one day backfire, but hitting on even a couple saves the Braves money in the long run.

Instead of hitting free agency and making upwards of $30 million-$40 million per season, a player like Acuña is signed to a respectable 10-year, $124 million deal. At the time that contract was given out, though, it was seen as a risk.

Smith-Shawver has barely pitched in the majors. As this season continues, the front office will get a better idea if his electric fastball and four-pitch mix is for real, or perhaps just a flash in the pan.

Atlanta does a great job of identifying talent within its minor-league system. Smith-Shawver pitched just over 100 minor-league innings, but much like it did with Spencer Strider last season, they called him up anyway.