3 Atlanta Braves pitchers who will begin 2024 season at Triple-A, 2 who will not
The Braves have built an amazing depth of starting pitching, but which of the fringe guys make the big league roster?
By Matt Melton
Across the 2023-24 offseason so far, the Atlanta Braves starting rotation has already seen a notable amount of change.
While the likes of Max Fried, Spencer Strider, Charlie Morton, and Bryce Elder are all back, Kyle Wright is now a member of the Kansas City Royals organization, and the Braves have also added a seven-time All-Star to the mix in left-hander Chris Sale. Not to mention that the Braves also have numerous other rotation options that might be forced to begin the 2024 season with Triple-A Gwinnett because of no space at the major league level.
So, with that thought in mind, let's take a look at three Atlanta Braves starting pitchers who will likely begin the 2024 season in Triple-A, as well as two who will not.
3 Atlanta Braves pitchers who will begin season at Triple-A, 2 who will not
Will - RHP AJ Smith-Shawver
We begin with one of the most exciting young arms in Atlanta's system with right-hander AJ Smith-Shawver, who will likely begin the 2024 season with Triple-A Gwinnett.
Currently the Braves top prospect according to MLB Pipeline, Smith-Shawver rose quickly through Atlanta's organization a year ago, making the jump all the way to the big leagues from High-A. The former seventh round pick would certainly make an impact while in Atlanta as well, posting a 1-0 record with a 4.26 ERA and 20:11 K:BB ratio across 25.1 IP (five-of-six appearances were starts).
While likely to be an impact piece for Atlanta in 2024 at some point, it seems likely that the right-hander is the first name on the outside-looking-in at the Braves rotation to begin the year, due to the fact that their simply might not be a spot for him in the rotation. No. that isn't necessarily a bad thing either, as Smith-Shawver has only 41 IP for his career at the Triple-A level.
Yes, there is always a chance that Smith-Shawver could also end up in Atlanta's bullpen to begin the year as well. However, due to the fact that his future outlook with the Braves is as a starter, then it makes sense for Smith-Shawver to be the ace in Gwinnett's rotation to start 2024.