The Atlanta Braves farm system is not what it had been a couple of years ago. Between promotions to the majors and a flurry of trades to bolster the major league roster, the Braves simply do not have the caliber of prospects that they once did. However, that does not mean that their system will be unable to impact the major league roster during the upcoming season as Jared Shuster could be the next unexpected fantasy star.
Shuster was not expected to get this far in spring training. Ian Anderson, Bryce Elder, Mike Soroka, and Kolby Allard were slated to battle for the fifth starter role. Shuster, with his 48.2 innings of Triple-A experience, was slated to return to Gwinnett to begin the 2023 campaign.
Jared Shuster could be answer for Atlanta Braves rotation
While he is more of a pitchability over stuff player, Shuster does have a solid arsenal. His fastball may be his weakest pitch, topping out in the mid 90s with minimal movement, but he has excellent command of the offering. Nonetheless, that fastball sets up his plus changeup well and his low 80s slider generates plenty of swings and misses.
He showed his potential with his performance in 2022. Shuster posted a 3.29 ERA and a 1.048 WHiP over his 139.1 innings between Double-A and Triple-A, striking out 145 batters with 38 walks. That production is better than his arsenal would seemingly suggest.
But the Braves do have a track record when it comes to their prospects. Most of the players they have sent away have not done much in their new organizations. Meanwhile, the players they kept have taken the next step forward. It would not be a surprise to have Shuster emerge as an unexpected asset, not just for the Braves, but in fantasy baseball as well.
Jared Shuster could emerge as the Atlanta Braves’ fifth starter. If so, he could be a surprise in fantasy baseball in 2023 as well.
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