​CHICAGO, ILLINOIS — MARCH 30: Braden Shewmake, wearing #17 for the Chicago White Sox, is congratulated by teammates after belting a home run in the second inning against the Detroit Tigers at Guaranteed Rate Field. The photograph, dated March 30, 2024, captures the moment in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images)
The Atlanta Braves, like all 30 MLB teams, have just one more series left on the schedule before the All-Star break. The Braves will square off against the St. Louis Cardinals on the road, aiming to enter the break on a strong note while the Philadelphia Phillies and the Miami Marlins remain hot on their heels for first place in the National League East.
In a recent roster move adjacent to the Braves organization, Atlanta received news surrounding former top prospect Braden Shewmake, who was cut by his current MLB team on Friday. On Friday, the Houston Astros announced a few roster changes, the most notable being the activation of shortstop Jeremy Pena from the Injured List. As part of that move, the Astros designated Braden Shewmake for assignment.
Shewmake, 28, appeared in 30 games for the Astros, posting a .256 batting average with three home runs, nine RBIs, and 10 runs scored over 78 at-bats. He now sits in DFA limbo. The most likely path is for Shewmake to be outrighted to Triple-A, where he would likely accept the assignment, or the Astros could simply release him. A three-year MLB veteran, Shewmake has spent time with the Chicago White Sox, Atlanta Braves, and Houston Astros at the major league level.
Braden Shewmake was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the first round of the 2019 MLB draft, and he progressed through the Braves’ minor league system quickly. However, his path to regular playing time was blocked by Dansby Swanson serving as the everyday shortstop at the time. In 2023, Shewmake made his MLB debut with the Braves, though it was a brief appearance, totaling just four at-bats with no hits. The Chicago White Sox gave him a chance in 2024, but he batted only .125 over 67 at-bats.
As the Astros consider their next steps, it remains to be seen whether they will keep Shewmake within their organization or whether another MLB team will claim him off waivers. The trajectory of his career continues to hinge on opportunities and organizational need, and this latest development adds another twist to the journeyman shortstop’s professional path.
Follow-up coverage will monitor whether the Astros keep Shewmake in their system, whether he clears waivers, or if another club claims him. For now, the baseball world watches to see where the former top Braves prospect lands and whether he can rekindle the promise that once made him a notable prospect in the game. This article originally appeared on HEAVY and is part of ongoing coverage of MLB transactions and player movements.