The Atlanta Braves 2020 first round pick has found his way back into the National League. Jared Shuster is a former Braves prospect who was dealt to the White Sox as part of the trade that brought Aaron Bummer to Atlanta. After some shaky seasons on the Southside, Shuster has reportedly signed with the Cardinals in hopes of carving out a role as a dependable Major Leaguer.
The deal is a minor league contract according to Jon Morosi, and one that includes a spring training invite. The Cardinals have been busy reshaping their Major League roster, trading away some productive veterans, so Shuster will join a long list of youngsters hoping to stick around in St. Louis.
Source: LHP Jared Shuster has agreed to a minor league contract with the Cardinals that includes an invitation to @MLB spring training.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 22, 2025
With the Cardinals listening to trade offers for multiple veterans, Shuster has a good chance to make the Opening Day roster.
Former Braves top draft pick Jared Shuster signs minor league deal with Cardinals
Shuster’s story with the Braves began with genuine optimism as Atlanta’s scouting staff valued his command and secondary offerings he was successful with while pitching at Wake Forest. Unfortunately, Shuster never really developed his arsenal in a way that allowed him to miss Major League bats consistently. Shuster carried an abysmal 1.15 strikeout to walk ratio during his 11 starts with Atlanta in 2023.
When he was traded to Chicago, Shuster made a handful of appearances out of the White Sox's bullpen. Sadly, Shuster failed to really flash over his 89 innings from 2024-2025 with Chicago, and was eventually put on waivers in August.
Shuster’s journey is a reminder of how unpredictable pitching prospects can be — even for a system as successful as the Braves’. For every Spencer Schwellenbach there are dozens failed prospects that fall short of a successful big league career. First round draft picks don’t always pan out, but Shuster will attempt to salvage his career by sticking on the Cardinals pitching staff.
The Cardinals are in an unusual for them rebuilding phase, and pitchers like Shuster figure to get plenty of looks this spring. Meanwhile, the Braves are aiming higher for additional rotation depth. The Braves have pitching prospects on the fringe of Major League elevation, but Shuster's story is great reminder as to why you can never put all your eggs in the pitching prospect basket.