Will - RHP Darius Vines
The next pitcher who will likely begin their 2024 season in Triple-A is Vines, who similar to Smith-Shawver, also made his respective MLB debut a year ago.
Atlanta's No. 9 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, Vines made five appearances in the majors with the Braves last season, two of which were starts. In what was the former seventh rounders first MLB action, Vines would own a 1-0 record with a 3.98 ERA and 14:7 K:BB ratio across 20.1 IP.
When looking at Vines' minor league career so far, the right-hander has 13 career appearances at the Triple-A level, 10 of which were starts. Of that sample size, Vines made six appearances, five of which were starts, a year ago at Gwinnett, posting a 3-2 record with a 2.36 ERA and 28:13 K:BB ratio across 34.1 IP.
Similar to Smith-Shawver, you could certainly make an argument that Vines is major league ready, but there is likely not room in the MLB rotation to begin the year. Yes, Vines will certainly see time with the major league club at some point in 2024, but likely not to begin the year.