Braves Encouraged to Trade Starting Pitcher in Major Deal

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The Atlanta Braves are entering the offseason with big decisions looming. After being eliminated by the San Diego Padres, the Braves are looking at a potentially revamped roster in 2025. One major storyline is the return of Ronald Acuña Jr. from injury, but beyond that, key players could be on the move with free agency in play. This has left some to speculate that the Braves may need to pull off a major trade to bolster their chances for another deep postseason run. One name that draws attention is AJ Smith-Shawver.

Smith-Shawver, the Braves’ No. 2 prospect according to MLB.com, is at the center of some bold suggestions. FanSided’s Zachary Rotman has floated the idea that the Braves should consider trading him in a blockbuster deal. The reasoning? Smith-Shawver has just one minor league option left, meaning the team is running out of flexibility to shuttle him between the majors and the minors without risking him going on waivers.

“Smith-Shawver has proven nothing at the MLB level,” Rotman wrote, noting his limited appearances and unproven status. In 2023, Smith-Shawver made six major league appearances, posting a 4.26 ERA. He did make a solid impression in his lone start, going 4 1/3 scoreless innings and allowing just three hits. But the reality is that he may not have a clear path into the Braves starting rotation in the near future.

Rotman highlights that players like Chris Sale and Reynaldo López are already expected to hold down rotation spots in 2025. Even with the uncertainty surrounding Max Fried’s return, there’s speculation that if the Braves don’t bring him back, they’ll likely find a replacement via free agency or trade, possibly involving Smith-Shawver.

As Rotman points out, the Braves’ competitive window is right now. With their stacked roster built to win, they might not have time to wait for Smith-Shawver to develop further. “If the Braves were to dangle a pitching prospect of Smith-Shawver’s caliber, they could get a monstrous return,” he argues, adding that now could be the time to “sell high.”

Smith-Shawver certainly has the potential, but his unproven status and limited flexibility for the team could make him a prime trade candidate. The team might just find that moving him in a blockbuster deal could secure them the kind of impact player they need to keep their championship window wide open.