AJ Smith-Shawver Secures Braves' 5th Starter Role: Fantasy Upside and Spring Performance

Confirmed 5th Starter: Following roster moves including optioning Bryce Elder to Triple-A, AJ Smith-Shawver is set to begin the 2025 season in the Braves' starting rotation alongside Chris Sale, Spencer Schwellenbach, Reynaldo Lopez, and Grant Holmes.

Impressive Spring Performance: Smith-Shawver looked sharp throughout spring training, showcasing improved control and dominant stuff. In five games (four starts), he struck out 20 batters over 16.1 innings while issuing only four walks. His start against the Twins saw him strike out eight over four scoreless, walk-free innings.

Fantasy Relevance: Smith-Shawver presents considerable upside for fantasy baseball managers, described as looking "really dynamic" in camp. However, his long-term role in the rotation this season isn't guaranteed, as ace Spencer Strider is expected back from injury in May.

Rapid Development: Drafted in the 7th round in 2021 after only starting to pitch as a high school senior, Smith-Shawver was fast-tracked to the majors in 2023 at age 20 due to injuries. After spending most of 2024 refining his command in Triple-A Gwinnett, he appears ready for a significant role.

Why this matters: Smith-Shawver's emergence provides crucial depth for the Braves' rotation, a key factor in their strategy to keep arms healthy for a deep playoff run. For fantasy managers, he offers potential high-reward value, particularly in the early part of the season.

Q: Who is AJ Smith-Shawver?\n * A: AJ Smith-Shawver is a young, hard-throwing right-handed pitcher for the Atlanta Braves. He was a 7th-round draft pick in 2021 and has quickly risen through the ranks to earn a spot in the MLB rotation.\n* Q: What is his fantasy baseball outlook for 2025?\n * A: He offers significant strikeout upside and could be a valuable fantasy asset early in the season. However, his role might change when Spencer Strider returns from injury around May, making him a potentially short-term fantasy play unless the Braves utilize expanded rotation options.\n* Q: What led to him winning the 5th starter job?\n * A: A combination of his strong spring training performance, showcasing improved control and dominant pitching, along with roster decisions that saw Bryce Elder optioned to Triple-A.

Monitor Performance: Keep a close watch on Smith-Shawver's early season starts. His performance will dictate his staying power in the rotation.

Fantasy Consideration: If you're in a fantasy baseball league, consider adding Smith-Shawver for his strikeout potential, especially in deeper leagues or as a streaming option early on. Be aware of the potential impact of Strider's return.

Braves' Strategy: Understand that the Braves are building pitching depth not just for the start of the season, but for the long haul, including the postseason. Smith-Shawver is a key piece of that strategy.

Source 1: Smith-Shawver's fantasy upside could be short-term ()

Source 2: Braves make round of roster cuts that all but confirms they'll rely on top young arm () *(Representational Link for FanSided Source)*