RADIO
A.J. Smith-Shawver is a fantasy baseball SP prospect sleeper and minor leaguer to know. Read our MLB prospects outlooks for fantasy baseball rookies and call-ups.
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.
More Fantasy Baseball Analysis
Deyvison De Los Santos - Prospect Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ team leagues CALL-UP ETA: Now ANALYSIS: Following their Opening Day victory over the Colorado Rockies, the Miami Marlins promoted first base prospect Deyvison De Los Santos to the major-league roster. De Los Santos spent nearly the entire 2025 season at our Triple-A level and was knocking on the MLB door for most […]
Konnor Griffin: Prospects To Stash
BALLER MOVE: Add in all leagues CALL-UP ETA: April ANALYSIS: Shortly before the regular season began, the Pirates opted to send Griffin to Triple-A Indianapolis. Griffin remained on the roster throughout most of spring training and was one of the final cuts, suggesting he made a serious push to crack the Opening Day roster. However, the […]
Andrew Painter: Prospects To Stash
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12-team leagues CALL-UP ETA: July ANALYSIS: Philadelphia Phillies top pitching prospect Andrew Painter missed the entirety of the 2023 and 2024 seasons while recovering from Tommy John surgery. However, the budding ace made his Triple-A debut earlier this season and is quickly approaching his MLB debut. Painter began the season with Low-A, […]
Logan Henderson: Prospects To Stash
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ team leagues CALL-UP ETA: July ANALYSIS: Milwaukee Brewers right-handed pitching prospect Logan Henderson made his MLB debut earlier this season and was quite dominant, tossing 21 innings to the tune of a 1.71 ERA and a 0.95 WHIP. During this stint, Henderson struck out 29 batters and posted a strong 7.4% […]
Jordan Lawlar: Prospects To Stash
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ team leagues CALL-UP ETA: July ANALYSIS: Arizona Diamondbacks top prospect Jordan Lawlar received his second taste of the majors earlier this season but was unable to produce. Across eight games in Arizona, Lawlar did not tally a hit and held a 9:3 K:BB. During the 2023 season, Lawlar made his MLB […]
Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App
Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!
Check out RotoBaller's entire fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups and sleepers list, updated daily!
