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AJ Smith-Shawver is a fantasy baseball waiver wire pickup for Week 8 (2024). Target AJ Smith-Shawver as a top prospect free-agent add for fantasy baseball.
BALLER MOVE: Add in 15+ Team Leagues/NL-only
ROSTERED IN: 5% of Leagues
ANALYSIS: Atlanta Braves starting pitching prospect AJ Smith-Shawver is next in line to join Atlanta's starting rotation and is worth stashing in 15-team leagues and NL-only formats.
Smith-Shawver made his MLB debut last season and pitched 25 ⅓ innings with 20 punchouts and a 4.26 ERA and 1.11 WHIP.
The 21-year-old AJ Smith-Shawver, despite struggling in Triple-A this season with a hefty 5.96 ERA and 1.52 WHIP across 25 ⅔ innings, is a player to watch. His rapid progression through the Braves system last year, moving from High-A to Triple-A, is a testament to his talent and potential. While his current performance may not be promising, it's reasonable to expect him to turn things around.
The right-handed pitcher is considered the top prospect in the Braves system and should be expected to be the first name called when the Braves need someone to fill their rotation.
AJ Smith-Shawver gets Aaron Judge swinging on this nice 87 mph changeup. pic.twitter.com/InFeEzHAoD
— Chris Clegg (@RotoClegg) March 10, 2024
Currently, southpaw Bryce Elder holds the final spot in the rotation and holds a high 4.79 ERA and 1.65 WHIP through four starts. If he continues to struggle, the Braves may look to their top prospect to fill in as the fifth man.
However, while it is unknown when he will return to the major league levels, he should be left on most wavier wires but is worth stashing in 15-team leagues and NL-only formats.
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