PROSPECT: A.J. Smith-Shawver, SP, Atlanta Braves
ERIC CROSS' LATEST PROSPECT RANKING: #16
CALL-UP ETA: May
ANALYSIS: With Spencer Strider unfortunately hitting the IL for an extended period, A.J. Smith-Shawver's ETA has been pushed up a bit. It's looking like Bryce Elder will get the first crack at replacing Strider, but he was largely ineffective last season after his hot start.
Eventually, I'm expecting Smith-Shawver to slide into the rotation, and while the impact likely won't be at the level of a prospect like Paul Skenes, AJSS still offers intriguing upside for fantasy purposes.
#Braves minor league depth will be tested immediately. Bryce Elder figures to be the logical longer term replacement.
Top prospects AJ Smith-Shawver & Hurston Waldrep are also in Gwinnett. Alan Winans, Dylan Dodd and Darius Vines also on that depth chart along with Huascar Ynoa.
— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) April 6, 2024
There's a reason why the Braves pushed Smith-Shawver as hard as they did last season, even if they might have overdone it just a tad. If he can keep the walk rate in check, Smith-Shaver has SP2/3 upside and could realistically make 20 or more starts for the Braves this season.
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