Braden Shewmake

Shewmake was a first-round pick in 2019 out of Texas A&M and might have received a September call-up last year if not for a knee injury in August. He finished the season with a .259/.316/.399 slash line for Triple-A Gwinnett over 75 games. Shewmake has graded out highly for his defense at shortstop in the minors, but his limited offensive ceiling could make him a utility player in the majors once he finally makes his debut. Still, he could factor into the mix for the starting shortstop job if the Braves prefer a premium defender.

In a system that is still headlined by outfielders and pitchers, Shewmake will be the next infield prospect of note to reach the majors for Atlanta. He spent the summer at the alternate training site and impressed with his defensive versatility, hit tool and plus speed. A 6-foot-4, 200-pound shortstop, Shewmake plays more like 5-foot-10 Cardinals infielder Tommy Edman, as his power might be his worst tool. His left-handed swing is geared for contact -- he went straight to Low-A after getting drafted with the No. 21 overall pick in 2019 out of Texas A&M and proceeded to hit .318 with a 12.8 K%. Shewmake won't be unseating Dansby Swanson at shortstop, and he's probably over-stretched defensively there anyway, so he will likely break through in a super-utility role or if an injury befalls one of Atlanta's everyday infielders. His fantasy value will be tied to his playing time and his lineup placement.

Shewmake is a plus runner with a high floor thanks to average or better tools across the board. The Texas A&M product was available with the 21st overall pick because of a perceived lack of impact potential, but he had a very strong pro debut. Among Sally League hitters with at least 200 PA, Shewmake was top 10 in AVG (.318), wRC+ (151) and BB/K (0.72). He has a lanky 6-foot-4 frame and should remain hit-over-power -- he could hit 15-to-20 home runs if his hit tool develops as expected. It will be his speed and potentially high batting average that makes him appealing in fantasy. Defensively, he fits anywhere on the diamond and will be developed as a shortstop for now -- the Braves don't have anyone else of note behind Dansby Swanson on the organizational depth chart. Shewmake should return to Double-A, where his well-rounded skill set should keep him on a fast track to the big leagues.