Braden Shewmake: The Atlanta Braves Prospect to Watch Out For
In a deep draft class of 2019 shortstops, the Atlanta Braves landed themselves a good one in Braden Shewmake.
The Braves selected the left-handed contact hitter with the 21st overall selection in the 2019 draft out of Texas A&M, coming off of an Aggie career in which he slashed an impressive .323/.381/.487.
Given the shortstop’s track record, it didn’t take much to justify the Braves selecting him with their second selection in the draft. Shewmake won the SEC’s Freshman of the Year award in 2017 and wasted no time jumping onto the loaded SEC baseball scene as he hit .328 with 11 home runs in 64 games in his first year as an Aggie.
In addition, his baserunning ability is not to be overlooked. Shewmake stole 32 bases in 40 attempts in his Texas A&M career, and has swiped 26 bags to date during his time in the Braves farm system.
He provides elite line driveability, solid versatility in the field, and is ranked as the Braves No. 4 prospect heading into 2021 by MLB.com.
What can we Expect from Shewmake?
Long-term, there appears to be a lofty ceiling for the shortstop. Listed at 6’4, 190 pounds, the lefty has flashed signs of developing true power to complement his hitting and speed tools if he can grow into his body.
Realistically, there is still much to be seen from the prospect. He’ll likely start in AA ball with the Mississippi Braves to begin his 2021 season, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Shewmake lands himself on the AAA roster by September.
Next. Time to Re-sign Shane Greene. dark
If he continues on his upwards trajectory, Shewmake could find himself with a mid-to-late 2022 MLB ETA. With an upcoming extension in question for Braves starting shortstop, Dansby Swanson, Shewmake may get the call sooner than we expect.