No one can accuse the Atlanta Braves of not saving some spring training excitement for the end of camp, as fans found out on Sunday.
Just when it felt like things were winding down, the front office dropped a handful of roster moves that show the fanbase exactly what they plan do to with this roster. Jesse Chavez, Craig Kimbrel, and James McCann were all reassigned to minor league camp, and Bryce Elder—who was expected by many to compete for a spot—was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett.
The result? The Braves have officially named their five-man rotation, including a 21-year-old right-hander who’s been making big progress for over a year.
The Fifth Starter Is Here: A.J. Smith-Shawver
A.J. Smith-Shawver is the headline here. This isn’t just another spring story about a prospect catching fire.
This is a guy who started pitching as a high school senior, was drafted in the seventh round of the 2021 MLB Draft, and already has a ticket to the Braves’ opening day roster. It’s the kind of development arc that feels scripted for a documentary.
You might remember Smith-Shawver’s MLB debut if you followed the Braves’ injury-riddled 2023 campaign. Just 20 at the time, he logged over 25 innings across six appearances when the rotation was decimated.
He made another brief appearance in May but spent most of the season at Gwinnett, where he battled some serious control issues. Fast forward to this spring, and the transformation is eye-popping.
Command, Confidence, and a Strikeout Showcase
From the jump this spring, Smith-Shawver looked sharper, more confident, and in command. The wildness that caused issues for him in 2023 seems to be gone, or at least under wraps.
His last game against the Twins was a dominant outing. He had eight strikeouts in four innings and no walks. He racked up 20 Ks and walked only four in 16 1/3 innings this spring. Those are numbers demand a rotation spot.
A Braves Rotation Built for the Long Haul
With Smith-Shawver locking down the fifth spot, the Braves’ rotation now reads: Chris Sale, Spencer Schwellenbach, Reynaldo López, Grant Holmes, and Smith-Shawver.
It’s a blend of veteran firepower and rising youth—and that’s intentional. Spencer Strider is expected back in May, but that doesn’t automatically mean someone’s getting the boot.
This club has its eyes on October, which means protecting arms and possibly stretching into a six-man rotation. Don’t expect anyone to hit 32 starts this season, but do expect flexibility—and probably six guys logging 20+ starts.
The Braves waited until the last minute to drop their final roster decisions, but the message is loud and clear: the youth movement is real, and the future might be arriving ahead of schedule. A.J. Smith-Shawver isn’t just filling a spot—he’s part of the plan.
