AJ Smith-Shawver Poised to Join Braves' Rotation as No. 3 Prospect Gets Opening Day Nod

MLB Rumors: AJ Smith-Shawver Poised to Join Braves' Rotation as No. 3 Prospect Gets Opening Day Nod

The Atlanta Braves appear ready to entrust one of their top pitching prospects with a rotation spot to begin the 2025 season. According to MLB.com's Mark Bowman, right-hander AJ Smith-Shawver is in line to start the fifth game of the regular season, signaling the organization's confidence in the 22-year-old hurler.
"Sale will face the Rays tomorrow and make his OD start with an extra day of rest. Smith-Shawver, who had been slated to start today, will follow Sale tomorrow," Bowman reported on X. "Snit (Braves manager Brian Snitker) said he hasn't looked this far ahead. But Smith-Shawver would now be on regular rest to start the season's fifth game."
Smith-Shawver ranks as Atlanta's No. 3 overall prospect and No. 2 pitching prospect according to MLB.com's pipeline. The young right-hander features a four-pitch arsenal consisting of a fastball, curveball, slider, and changeup, with his heater considered his most reliable offering.

Developing Arsenal Shows Promise

While Smith-Shawver's fastball remains his primary weapon, his secondary pitches continue to develop. The key to his success at the major league level will be his ability to consistently throw his off-speed offerings for strikes, giving him the diversity needed to navigate big league lineups multiple times.
In his limited major league experience spanning seven appearances, Smith-Shawver has compiled a respectable 3.64 ERA, allowing 12 earned runs across 29.2 innings pitched. Despite these appearances, he has yet to exhaust his rookie eligibility—a status that will likely change during the 2025 campaign as he assumes a more permanent role in Atlanta's rotation.

Rotation Taking Shape

Chris Sale is set to lead the Braves' rotation as the Opening Day starter, while the team eagerly awaits the return of ace Spencer Strider. In the meantime, Smith-Shawver's inclusion gives Atlanta a potential high-upside arm to complement their established veterans.
The Braves' willingness to entrust Smith-Shawver with a rotation spot speaks volumes about their assessment of his readiness to contribute at the highest level. Before focusing on the regular season, however, Atlanta and their young pitcher will look to finish spring training strong, with their next exhibition game scheduled for Thursday at 1:05 PM EST against division rival Philadelphia.