The Atlanta Braves are preparing for their final series before the All-Star break, but one former member of the organization is facing an uncertain future.
Former Braves first-round pick Braden Shewmake was designated for assignment by the Houston Astros on Friday after the club activated All-Star shortstop Jeremy Peña from the injured list. The roster move places the 28-year-old infielder in limbo as Houston decides whether to trade him, outright him to Triple-A, or release him.
Shewmake had carved out a useful role with the Astros this season, appearing in 30 games while batting .256 with three home runs, nine RBIs, and 10 runs scored over 78 at-bats. However, Peña’s return left Houston needing to clear a roster spot, and Shewmake became the corresponding move.
Although his stint in Houston may be over, Shewmake’s versatility could keep him on another major league club’s radar. If he clears waivers, the Astros could outright him to Triple-A Sugar Land, where he would likely continue serving as organizational depth.
Former Braves Prospect Never Found a Full-Time Opportunity
The Braves selected Shewmake with the 21st overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft after an impressive collegiate career at Texas A&M. Regarded as one of Atlanta’s top prospects, he climbed the organization’s farm system quickly thanks to his reliable contact skills and defensive versatility.
Despite his rapid rise, Shewmake’s path to a regular major league role was blocked by longtime Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson. He made his MLB debut with Atlanta in 2023 but appeared in just a handful of games, collecting four at-bats before returning to the minors.
That offseason, Atlanta traded Shewmake to the Chicago White Sox as part of the blockbuster deal that brought reliever Aaron Bummer to the Braves. The package also included Michael Soroka, Jared Shuster, Nicky Lopez, and Riley Gowens.
Journeyman Career Continues
Since leaving Atlanta, Shewmake has bounced between several organizations. He appeared in 29 games for the White Sox during the 2024 season before spending time with the Royals and Yankees organizations. Houston acquired him earlier this year, giving him another opportunity to contribute at the major league level.
While his offensive numbers with the Astros were respectable, the return of Peña ultimately cost him his roster spot. Shewmake now enters the designation-for-assignment process, where another club could claim him or Houston could retain him in the organization if he clears waivers.
For Braves fans, the move serves as another reminder of a once-promising prospect whose career has taken an unexpected path since leaving Atlanta. Even so, at 28 years old and capable of playing multiple infield positions, Shewmake still has an opportunity to extend his major league career if another team sees value in his versatility.