Jared Shuster

Shuster was a first-round pick for the Braves in a 2020 Draft class which also included Spencer Strider and Bryce Elder. While Shuster might have been passed by both of those guys, he's certainly a very good prospect in his own right, having posted a 3.29 ERA and 145:38 K:BB over 139.1 innings between Double- and Triple-A in 2022. The left-hander was much better at Double-A Mississippi than he was at Triple-A Gwinnett and he could be more of a back-end starter if he can't rediscover the zip on his fastball that he showed at Wake Forest. Shuster has a pretty high floor as is, though, and looks to be nearly major-league ready.

Shuster, a 6-foot-3, 210-pound southpaw from Wake Forest, was one of the biggest risers up draft boards prior to getting selected by Atlanta with the No. 25 overall pick in last year's draft. He dramatically improved his control in the Cape Cod League (1.41 ERA, 0.78 WHIP, 35:5 K:BB in 32 IP) and showed significantly improved velocity in four starts last spring. His fastball now touches 97 mph, sitting in the low-to-mid 90s. He has a near flawless delivery, so he could very well hold his control and velocity gains. In addition to his newfound plus fastball, Shuster has a plus changeup and a breaking ball that could be an above-average offering. It all adds up to a potential No. 2 or No. 3 starter -- a far cry from the backend starter/swingman he looked like a year ago. He should quickly become a top-100 prospect if his improved stuff is evident in his first full season as a pro.