“With the 25th pick in the 2020 draft, the Braves select pitcher Jared Shuster from Wake Forest University.”

Here’s a note from Baseball America before the 2023 season:

In 2022, Shuster sat around 90-92 mph with solid carry and cut, with a max velocity around 94-95. His changeup remains his best offering and his go-to secondary, a plus pitch that averages around 80 mph. The pitch continues to generate whiffs at a high rate, as well as ugly swings as it falls below the zone.

I don’t know how many of you watch MiLB games, but I watch at least 20-30/year and they’re mostly when the Braves have highly-touted pitching prospects on the mound. I have a high respect for Baseball America, but the Shuster I saw in 2022 wasn’t the guy they discussed above. In Pearl, like most pitchers, he looked great:

90.2 IP, 2.78 ERA, 4.8K/BB rate

When moved to Gwinnett….

48.2 IP, 4.25 ERA, 2.4K/BB rate

The Wheels Fall Off the Niagara

No way to cut this cheese. In 2023, Shuster stunk like Limberger. No matter where he was, AAA, MLB, his house, the results were scary bad. 5.01 ERA at AAA and a 5.81 ERA in MLB. The K/BB rate plummeted and the luster was gone. Shuster made 11 big league starts, and despite his best efforts, the team escaped with 5 wins.

Cleaning House

ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Braves acquired left-handed reliever Aaron Bummer in a multiplayer trade with the Chicago White Sox on Thursday night. The Braves sent pitchers Michael Soroka, Jared Shuster and Riley Gowens, along with infielders Nicky Lopez and Braden Shewmake, to the White Sox.

The Braves sent a clear message this offseason when they sent 5 middling guys for 1 relief pitcher, and signed Reynaldo Lopez to a 3 year deal. No more will lackluster pitchers take the mound to throw away games. With both relief and starting depth aplenty, Shuster’s better off with the White Sox, where he won’t be pushed to succeed so quickly.