Atlanta Braves prospect AJ Smith-Shawver could be a star in the making
The Atlanta Braves appear to have made a solid move in the 2021 MLB draft when they picked up AJ Smith-Shawver in the seventh round. They went over slot to secure him because of the raw talent and potential he possesses. The hope was that the Braves could turn him into a top-of-the-rotation guy with their expertise in player development.
In 2022, Smith-Shawver showed promise, pitching almost 70 innings with a 5.11 ERA. While the stats, on their face, are not impressive, it is important to note that he had 103 strikeouts in those innings, indicating his potential upside. However, his 5.1 walks per nine innings show that command is an issue holding him back.
Smith-Shawver has a fastball that can touch the upper 90s but typically sits in the mid-90s. The arm-side run on his fastball is what stands out, along with his changeup and slider. In particular, the slider is a good pitch for him, with late hard dive that confounds hitters.
Despite his potential, Smith-Shawver is still a very raw talent with inconsistent command. His delivery is not in sync, which is causing lateral movement that is affecting his control. With the help of a biomechanics lab and some tweaking, this is something that can be fixed with time and practice.
Overall, Smith-Shawver has the potential to be a top-of-the-rotation pitcher for the Braves. If they can work on his command and delivery, he could become a formidable player. While his 2022 season ended early due to a minor injury, he is healthy and should be ready for the upcoming season. He has the talent, and with some work, he could be a star.
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