The Atlanta Braves have continued making roster cuts as Opening Day nears. In the final week of spring cuts who will make the initial Atlanta roster is growing clear. This was helped by Atlanta's trade of Angel Perdomo to the Angels for cash considerations. This seems to indicate a clear plan for the Braves that likely ends with Grant Holmes in the long reliever/emergency starter role. This would allow Ian Anderson and AJ Smith-Shawver to complete Atlanta's rotation.
Anderson has the most experience and still has an upside if he can regain confidence. Smith-Shawver remains an exciting prospect who has clearly taken a huge step forward. Smith-Shawver's talent and level of production demands the Braves give the prospect another chance to cement his role in the rotation.
Just for anyone not aware of the progress AJSS has shown this spring. These videos are from Saturday, when he had 8 Ks w/ no walks in 4 IP. Think some injury-plagued teams would love to have him about now? #Braves have real SP depth. https://t.co/c4I5O5mJxy
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) March 17, 2025
Smith-Shawver has seemingly made it impossible for the starter not to be included on the Opening Day roster. Both Anderson and Holmes are likely safer bets but neither have the upside of the young starter. AJ has the stuff to be a top-of-the-rotation arm you can rely on in the season's biggest moments. This level of talent simply cannot be ignored as you already have holes to fill in the rotation with the departures of Charlie Morton and Max Fried.
Smith-Shawver made his debut in the 2023 season pitching in six games. The starter had a far more difficult road making the roster in 2024 making only one scoreless appearance last season. The postseason numbers are far less flattering with the moment obviously being far too much for the young starter.
Atlanta was dealing with injuries at the end of both seasons and was forced to turn to the young pitcher with the season on the line. Many great pitchers have struggled to adjust to the postseason and Smith-Shawver's postseason history shouldn't be held against him.
The ability and Atlanta's need to replace so many innings make it undeniable that Smith-Shawver should be on the Opening Day roster. The team's moves suggest it is now all but done with Smith-Shawver being given a chance to win a roster spot while the team awaits Spencer Strider's return.