Former Atlanta Braves prospect Braden Shewmake is on to the next stop after being claimed off waivers. The former Brave spent last season with the Chicago White Sox and quickly fell out of the team's plans after a hot start. Shewmake would find himself out of the team's lineup with it becoming very clear his bat wasn't at a big league level.
What was already a one-sided trade in Atlanta's favor continues to age well for the Braves. Shewmake was the centerpiece of a deal that brought bullpen arm Aaron Bummer to Atlanta in exchange for what were failing minor-league pieces. Mike Soroka and Shewmake headlined the deal for the White Sox and both would leave the following offseason with Soroka signing in Washington and Shewmake being claimed off waivers by the Royals.
We have claimed INF Braden Shewmake off waivers from the Chicago White Sox.
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) January 8, 2025
Former Braves prospect Braden Shewmake claimed off waivers by the Royals
While the Braves' future at shortstop remains murky at best, it is clear the team made the right decision to move on. Shewmake continues to struggle to hit at a big league level and was unable to take advantage of what was close to a minor league team in Chicago. There will never be an easier chance for the infielder to fight his way onto a big league roster.
Perhaps Shewmake finds new life in Kansas City and puts his career back on track. However, the more likely path is that we are nearing the end for the former Atlanta prospect who simply hasn't been able to make the needed adjustments.
For Atlanta, Aaron Bummer remains under contract through the 2026 season after reworking his deal with Orlando Arcia still the current starting shortstop as we near spring training. There is no longer a question of whether or not the Braves made the right decision to move on and who won the trade between the two teams. Shewmake will join a crowded Kansas City infield looking to win a depth role and save a once-promising career.