The Atlanta Braves are clearly not shy about promoting prospects more quickly than anyone ever imagined, but the promotion of AJ Smith-Shawver to the major leagues still finds a way to stand out for its aggression. Smith-Shawver was a high school arm just two years ago, and one known to be a project that while talented would likely take years to develop into a major leaguer. That projection has been turned completely on its head, and just 110 innings into his professional career AJ Smith-Shawver is going to be a major league baseball player.
AJ Smith-Shawver’s meteoric rise started just three years ago when he began pitching for Colleyville Heritage High School in Colleyville, Texas.