The Atlanta Braves were eliminated in the postseason by the San Diego Padres. The Braves roster could look very different on opening day with Ronald Acuña Jr. potentially returning from injury and key players hitting free agency.
When assessing Braves prospects who could be gone in 2025, FanSided's Zachary Rotman urged the Braves to explore trading AJ Smith-Shawver. Smith-Shawver is the Braves No.2 prospect on MLB Pipeline and Rotman suggests the Braves should trade him in a blockbuster.
"Smith-Shawver has only one option remaining after this season, so the Braves are running out of flexibility in terms of sending him down to the minors without having to place him on waivers. He has proven nothing at the MLB level," wrote Rotman. "He won't be handed a rotation spot before Spring Training. What's the argument against selling high right now?"
Smith Shawver made his debut in the 2023 season. He made six appearances with a 4.26 ERA. Last season he made one start. He went 4 1/3 scoreless innings and allowed just three hits. However, he may not fit into the Braves rotation in the near future.
"Chris Sale, Schwellenbach, and Reynaldo Lopez are all locked into the rotation for 2024," wrote Rotman. "Even if the Braves don't re-sign Max Fried, they'll presumably replace him with someone (maybe with Smith-Shawver in a potential trade going the other way). We can't fully close the door on yet another Charlie Morton reunion. Plus, the Braves still have Hurston Waldrep in the minors as well."
Smith Shawver is a highly regarded prospect and could help the Braves acquire a piece to help compete right away.
"If the Braves were to dangle a pitching prospect of Smith-Shawver's caliber, they could get a monstrous return," wrote Rotman. "With their window being win-now, and Smith-Shawver being as unproven as he is with only one minor league option remaining, now feels like the time to sell high."
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