The Braves don’t have a highly respected farm system in the national media, but the club consistently develops talent at an elite rate. Don’t expect the club to stop pumping out prospects who contribute in Atlanta. There have been several notable performers this spring, but MLB.com’s standout for the Braves may surprise some:
Braves: SS Braden Shewmake
Shewmake has come to camp to prove he shouldn’t be considered the forgotten man. He has shown great range at shortstop and manager Brian Snitker says the 25-year-old’s “bat plays.” Had Shewmake not been injured in August, he may have been called up to Atlanta instead of Vaughn Grissom, who is now the favorite to begin the season as Atlanta’s shortstop. Shewmake hasn’t had much offensive success above the High A level. But if he shows something with the bat this year, he could find himself at the big league level. — Mark Bowman
Shewmake has been playing solid. In seven appearances, he’s gone 4-for-12 with a double while playing pretty good defense after tearing his PCL last season. It’s been an encouraging result because of his past offensive struggles, but it is surprising because the Braves have had several prospects look incredible during spring training.
Dylan Dodd is the first name that comes to mind. In two appearances, he’s fanned seven, allowing no runs or walks over 4.1 innings. He’s a long shot at making the Opening Day roster but looks primed to make his MLB debut in 2023 at some point.
Another pitcher who has been impressive is Darius Vines, who has recorded three strikeouts over two innings in two appearances. Jared Shuster is also a top candidate to make a start at some point this season and pitched two scoreless innings of relief in his only appearance.
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