Spring Training is here, and the Braves have several intriguing storylines. Shortstop, left field, and the final spot in the rotation are up for grabs as Atlanta looks to return to the Fall Classic.
Following a disappointing end to the season, Alex Anthopoulos retooled an already-loaded roster by swinging several trades. Sean Murphy headlined the offseason, but Joe Jimenez is set to be an impactful piece of a deep bullpen. Trading for those types of talent has cost the Braves considerable prospect capital. Combine those with the Matt Olson trade and multiple graduations, and Atlanta’s farm system is decimated.
Still, MLB.com sees Jared Shuster as one prospect vying for a job this Braves spring training.
Braves: Jared Shuster, LHP
He might be on the outside looking in right now, but given the uncertainty behind Michael Soroka and Ian Anderson coming off of injuries, the former first-round pick could pitch his way into plans or at the very least open eyes to be ready for an early callup. Victor Vodnik is another prospect who could pitch his way into bullpen plans.
Keith Law has the Braves as the 29th-ranked farm system in his annual rankings for The Athletic, and Jared Shuster is Law’s No.1 prospect. The former 2020 first-round pick out of Wake Forest doesn’t project as a frontline starter; at best, he’ll be a solid middle-of-the-rotation guy. With excellent control and a dangerous changeup, Shuster could potentially work in some relief roles.
Hopefully, we don’t see Shuster because that would mean injuries have arisen, which they already are. Mike Soroka is being withheld from camp after reporting to Florida with hamstring tightness. Injuries are inevitable, so it’s always smart to have a stable of arms waiting in the wings, which the Braves do.
—
What are you most excited to see at Braves Spring Training?
—
David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
You must log in to post a comment.