Braves Option 2 — Give Braden Shewmake
When the Braves drafted Braden Shewmake with the 21st overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft, they likely envisioned him taking over the shortstop job around this time.
Like many young players, the 2020 season didn’t help his development. And then he struggled out of the gate in 2021.
However, he did rebound hitting .284 between June-August before struggling again in the final month.
He’s always seemed more destined for a utility/bench role, but perhaps if he starts to put it together at the plate in 2022, he could earn a shot to win the job in 2023.
Braves Option 3 — Call-up Vaughn Grissom
This is a long shot as Vaughn Grissom has only played 12 games at High-A, but he’s gaining a lot of momentum after a big 2021 season and an impressive showing early in Spring Training.
It will be interesting to see how aggressive the Braves are with him in 2022. If they start him at Double-A, then perhaps they have hopes of him getting a chance to take over the shortstop position in 2023.
If they do decide to go with Shewmake or Grissom, it would still be wise to sign a veteran shortstop next offseason to help ease the young guys along. Orlando Arcia could help fill that role as well.