RADIO
AJ Smith-Shawver is a fantasy baseball waiver wire stash for Week 9 (2024). Target Smith-Shawver as a top prospect free-agent waiver wire pickup for fantasy baseball.
BALLER MOVE: Stash in Deeper Leagues
CALL-UP ETA: June-July
ANALYSIS: AJ Smith-Shawver was drafted in 2021, but by 2023 he made it all the way to the majors, making six appearances (five starts) for Atlanta last season. The righty posted a 4.26 ERA and 1.11 WHIP during his time with the big league club. A strong strikeout rate helped propel him to his MLB debut, but he posted just a 19.0% K% and an 8.6% K-BB% in his six appearances. Smith-Shawver also allowed seven home runs in his 25.1 IP. All of that was as a 20-year-old, though, so in many ways he exceeded expectations.
Over seven starts at Triple-A in 2024, the 21-year-old has a 5.96 ERA and 1.52 WHIP, plus a 17.1% HR/FB%, so he's not exactly forcing the issue for a promotion. His K% is still solid at 23.3%, but right now he's walking too many batters as the BB% stands at 12.9%. Expect Atlanta's top prospect (MLB N0. 58) to work on getting that under control. The Braves, as do all teams at some point, will need more pitching as the season progresses, so expect Smith-Shawver to be in Atlanta by mid-season, if not sooner.
AJ Smith-Shawver spins five scoreless for Triple-A @GoStripers ⚾️
The @Braves' No. 1 prospect topped out at 💯 mph and racked up 17 swings-and-misses. pic.twitter.com/4tgCuLQxF6
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) May 1, 2024
Based on his age, his debut from a year ago, and his performance so far this season, don't expect Smith-Shawver to come up and dominate. Pitching for the Braves, however, should provide ample opportunities to win games. For pitching-starved managers looking for some depth and potential upside, the youngster can be picked up in 95% of Yahoo leagues.
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!
