Braden Shewmake Stats & Scouting Report

AB	64
AVG	.125
OBP	.134
SLG	.203
HR	1

Full name Braden Jack Shewmake
Born 11/19/1997 in Wylie, TX
Profile Ht.: 6'3" / Wt.: 190 / Bats: L / Throws: R
School Texas A&M
Drafted in the 1st round (21st overall) by the Atlanta Braves in 2019 (signed for $3,129,800).

View Draft Report

A lanky, 6-foot-4, 190-pound shortstop, Shewmake can handle any infield position but started all 61 games at shortstop for Texas A&M as a sophomore and has continued to hold down the position as a junior in 2019. He’s been among the most consistent hitters in the SEC over his three collegiate seasons, starting with a loud freshman campaign when he hit .328/.374/.529 with 11 home runs and 11 stolen bases and was voted first-team all-SEC. He has continued to hit at a high level, although Shewmake has not replicated his power numbers from his freshman season. Scouts wonder when he will start to physically fill out his frame and begin hitting for more power. He has good bat speed and some twitchiness with his hands at the plate, but he’ll eventually need to add more strength to tap into additional power with a wood bat. He struggled in 44 at-bats for USA Baseball’s Collegiate National Team last summer (.136/.250/.205), though his track record in the SEC will likely be emphasized compared to a much smaller sample with a wood bat. Defensively, Shewmake has all of the intangibles necessary to play shortstop, and he is a terrific in-game leader with athleticism. However, if he does begin to fill out physically, he has a chance to outgrow the position, and he doesn’t currently have the hands of an everyday, major league shortstop. Because of those concerns, many scouts are mixed as to where Shewmake fits best, defensively. He’s a plus runner who could handle all three outfield positions, if necessary, but teams will likely look to keep him in the infield before running him out to the grass. Shewmake is something of a conundrum to teams who view him as a player with a skillset that’s greater than his tools, and he might be best served in a super-utility role down the line. Either way, his track record of hitting should have him selected on Day 1 of the draft, and there’s more projection here if and when he starts to fill out physically.

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

BA Grade: 40/Medium

Track Record: Shewmake was a standout performer in his three years at Texas A&M. He signed a $3 million bonus as Atlanta’s second first-round pick in 2019 and was moved aggressively by the Braves in pro ball. He made it to Double-A in his first pro season, but his bat has not developed. He played the last two seasons at Triple-A Gwinnett with almost identical results. He got his first taste of the big leagues when called up in May 2023 as an injury replacement and played in just two games. Shewmake was included with four other players in a November 2023 trade to the White Sox for lefty reliever Aaron Bummer.

Scouting Report: Shewmake flashes solid bat-to-ball skills but makes weak contact. He hasn’t added strength to his lean body and struggles to do damage on higher-velocity pitches. He frequently expanded the zone and chased in 2023. His infield flyball rate has risen in each of the last three seasons, with a shockingly high 25% mark in 2023. That is the result of a flat bat path and a tendency to drop his hands in his load. Shewmake has been a solid-average defender at shortstop with good instincts and hands to go with an above-average arm. His defense has been inconsistent and he split time between shortstop and second base.

The Future: If the White Sox can coax just a marginal amount of improvement from Shewmake’s bat, he’ll have a career as at least a utility infielder capable of playing all non-first base positions.

Scouting Grades Hit: 40 | Power: 40 | Run: 55 | Field: 50 | Arm: 55
BA Grade/Risk: 45/High

Track Record: The Braves signed Shewmake for just over $3 million in the first round of the 2019 draft after three standout seasons with Texas A&M. He pushed to Double-A in his first pro season as a 21-year-old in 2019 but has been a below-league average hitter with Double-A Mississippi and Triple-A Gwinnett. In 2022, Shewmake spent the entire season at the Triple-A level, where he hit .259/.316/.399 with seven home runs.

Scouting Report: Shewmake has tinkered with his swing throughout his pro career and has solid pure bat-to-ball skills but an approach that has held him back. He expands the zone too frequently--particularly against secondaries--and struggled to do damage on velocity 93 mph or higher. Shewmake has below-average power potential, in part because he's never been able to fill out a lanky frame that's still listed as the same 190 pounds he weighed in college. Some scouts are optimistic he has more coming offensively, while others are skeptical of his swing. It's a flat path and that combined with a tendency to drop his hands in his load leads to popped balls and high infield fly rates in each of the last two seasons--18.4% in 2021 and 21.7% in 2022. Scouts who are higher point to solid top-end exit velocities that could indicate more power on the way. Shewmake has continued to get most of his innings at shortstop, where he remains a solid defender with good instincts and hands, as well as above-average arm strength.

The Future: Shewmake will need to improve his approach and impact ability to become an everyday player, and currently profiles as a utility infield type.

Scouting Grades: Hit: 45. Power: 40. Speed: 50. Fielding: 50. Arm: 55.
Track Record: The Braves used the second of their two-first round picks in 2019 to select Shewmake after he was a standout hitter in his college career at Texas A&M. He spent 2020 at the alternate training site and began his first full season at Double-A Mississippi in 2021. He got off to a .094/.144/.165 start that weighed down his overall numbers, but adjusted and hit .263/.300/.456 with 11 home runs the rest of the year.

Scouting Report: Despite the ugly numbers in his full-season debut, Shewmake hits velocity well, has natural bat-to-ball skills and shows a knack for shooting the ball the other way. The Braves were happy with the in-season adjustments he made and he has the traits to be an average hitter overall. Shewmake is a lean player who needs to add more weight to increase his power production and better handle the rigors of a full season. He has struggled to add weight dating back to his college career. Shewmake’s defense is a bright spot no matter how he’s going offensively. He has the physical tools and instincts to be an above-average shortstop with good body control, an advanced internal clock and enough arm strength to make all the necessary throws.

The Future: Shewmake may begin 2022 back in Double-A, where he will try to put together a complete offensive season. His contact skills and shortstop defense give him the potential to be an everyday regular if he makes the necessary strength gains.
Hitting: 55. Power: 50. Run: 60. Fielding: 50. Arm: 50.
Track Record: Shewmake was one of college baseball’s best hitters during his three years at Texas A&M and was drafted by the Braves in the first round, at No. 21 overall in 2019. He continued proving his hitting prowess by batting .318 at low Class A Rome and earning a promotion to Double-A in his pro debut. He spent the 2020 season at the Braves’ alternate training site.

Scouting Report: Shewmake is an athletic, 6-foot-4 shortstop who possesses defensive versatility, a high baseball IQ and a natural feel for hitting. He has a solid, contact-oriented swing with above-average bat speed. He gets the most out of his natural abilities with a solid approach at the plate. His power isn’t exceptional, but he has already added about 10 pounds since college and evaluators believe he could grow into 15-20 home runs if he continues to add more strength. The Braves will continue to run Shewmake out at shortstop, where he has solid instincts that make his reliable but unspectacular glove and arm play up. He’s a better runner than expected from a player his height, getting to plus times underway.

The Future: Shewmake needs more time to acclimate to upper-level pitching, but he’s already moving quickly. He projects as a super utility type for most scouts who can play all over the infield and potentially the outfield, if necessary.
TRACK RECORD: A high-level performer at Texas A&M, Shewmake was a two-time All-Southeastern Conference performer who finished his career with a .323/.381/.487 batting line. In his pro debut, he more than held his own at low Class A before moving to Double-A.

SCOUTING REPORT: An athletic and lanky, 6-foot-4 infielder, Shewmake has a solid all-around game with impressive instincts and defensive versatility, but what he lacks is a carrying tool. His loudest tool is likely his plus speed, but his most valuable trait might be a polished lefthanded bat. Shewmake has an unorthodox setup, but has above-average bat speed and twitchy hands. While he has a projectable frame one would typically project for increased power, Shewmake was lanky throughout his college career and struggled to put on weight. If he fills out as a pro, scouts could project above-average power. Shewmake has a chance to stick at shortstop, with solid athleticism, hands and leadership traits that fit the position, but many scouts believed that he would be a more natural fit at second or third base.

THE FUTURE: Shewmake should start 2020 back at Double-A, where he'll look to continue his progress.

Draft Prospects

A lanky, 6-foot-4, 190-pound shortstop, Shewmake can handle any infield position but started all 61 games at shortstop for Texas A&M as a sophomore and has continued to hold down the position as a junior in 2019. He's been among the most consistent hitters in the SEC over his three collegiate seasons, starting with a loud freshman campaign when he hit .328/.374/.529 with 11 home runs and 11 stolen bases and was voted first-team all-SEC. He has continued to hit at a high level, although Shewmake has not replicated his power numbers from his freshman season. Scouts wonder when he will start to physically fill out his frame and begin hitting for more power. He has good bat speed and some twitchiness with his hands at the plate, but he'll eventually need to add more strength to tap into additional power with a wood bat. He struggled in 44 at-bats for USA Baseball's Collegiate National Team last summer (.136/.250/.205), though his track record in the SEC will likely be emphasized compared to a much smaller sample with a wood bat. Defensively, Shewmake has all of the intangibles necessary to play shortstop, and he is a terrific in-game leader with athleticism. However, if he does begin to fill out physically, he has a chance to outgrow the position, and he doesn't currently have the hands of an everyday, major league shortstop. Because of those concerns, many scouts are mixed as to where Shewmake fits best, defensively. He's a plus runner who could handle all three outfield positions, if necessary, but teams will likely look to keep him in the infield before running him out to the grass. Shewmake is something of a conundrum to teams who view him as a player with a skillset that's greater than his tools, and he might be best served in a super-utility role down the line. Either way, his track record of hitting should have him selected on Day 1 of the draft, and there's more projection here if and when he starts to fill out physically.

Minor League Top Prospects

Shewmake quickly proved he was too advanced for the South Atlantic League. Signing quickly after the 2019 draft ended, he arrived in Rome on June 20 and was promoted to Double-A Mississippi less than two months later. In those 51 games, Shewmake showed a confident, advanced approach at the plate to go with above-average bat speed. "(He showed his) hit tool to all fields—a lot of line drives gap to gap," Rome manager Matt Tuiasosopo said. "He competes in the box, and he loves to hit." Shewmake is a tall, 6-foot-4 shortstop, but he moves well and showed solid athleticism with Rome. Like many young shortstops, he needs to improve his consistency. He had six errors in an eight-game stretch at one point, but overall, he showed the tools to stay at the position. Shewmake is an asset on the basepaths as well. A plus runner, he swiped 11 bags in 14 attempts, taking advantage of pitchers with slow moves to the plate.

Best Tools List

Rated Best Defensive Infielder in the Atlanta Braves in 2020

Scouting Reports

BA Grade/Risk: 45/High

Track Record: The Braves signed Shewmake for just over $3 million in the first round of the 2019 draft after three standout seasons with Texas A&M. He pushed to Double-A in his first pro season as a 21-year-old in 2019 but has been a below-league average hitter with Double-A Mississippi and Triple-A Gwinnett. In 2022, Shewmake spent the entire season at the Triple-A level, where he hit .259/.316/.399 with seven home runs.

Scouting Report: Shewmake has tinkered with his swing throughout his pro career and has solid pure bat-to-ball skills but an approach that has held him back. He expands the zone too frequently--particularly against secondaries--and struggled to do damage on velocity 93 mph or higher. Shewmake has below-average power potential, in part because he's never been able to fill out a lanky frame that's still listed as the same 190 pounds he weighed in college. Some scouts are optimistic he has more coming offensively, while others are skeptical of his swing. It's a flat path and that combined with a tendency to drop his hands in his load leads to popped balls and high infield fly rates in each of the last two seasons--18.4% in 2021 and 21.7% in 2022. Scouts who are higher point to solid top-end exit velocities that could indicate more power on the way. Shewmake has continued to get most of his innings at shortstop, where he remains a solid defender with good instincts and hands, as well as above-average arm strength.

The Future: Shewmake will need to improve his approach and impact ability to become an everyday player, and currently profiles as a utility infield type.

Scouting Grades: Hit: 45. Power: 40. Speed: 50. Fielding: 50. Arm: 55.
BA Grade/Risk: 45/High

Track Record: The Braves signed Shewmake for just over $3 million in the first round of the 2019 draft after three standout seasons with Texas A&M. He pushed to Double-A in his first pro season as a 21-year-old in 2019 but has been a below-league average hitter with Double-A Mississippi and Triple-A Gwinnett. In 2022, Shewmake spent the entire season at the Triple-A level, where he hit .259/.316/.399 with seven home runs.

Scouting Report: Shewmake has tinkered with his swing throughout his pro career and has solid pure bat-to-ball skills but an approach that has held him back. He expands the zone too frequently--particularly against secondaries--and struggled to do damage on velocity 93 mph or higher. Shewmake has below-average power potential, in part because he's never been able to fill out a lanky frame that's still listed as the same 190 pounds he weighed in college. Some scouts are optimistic he has more coming offensively, while others are skeptical of his swing. It's a flat path and that combined with a tendency to drop his hands in his load leads to popped balls and high infield fly rates in each of the last two seasons--18.4% in 2021 and 21.7% in 2022. Scouts who are higher point to solid top-end exit velocities that could indicate more power on the way. Shewmake has continued to get most of his innings at shortstop, where he remains a solid defender with good instincts and hands, as well as above-average arm strength.

The Future: Shewmake will need to improve his approach and impact ability to become an everyday player, and currently profiles as a utility infield type.

Scouting Grades: Hit: 45. Power: 40. Speed: 50. Fielding: 50. Arm: 55.
BA Grade: 50/High

Track Record: Shewmake was the second first round pick the Braves made in the 2019 draft, taking him No. 21 overall after selecting Shea Langeliers with the ninth pick. He was a standout hitter at Texas A&M and the Braves pushed him aggressively to Double-A in his pro debut after tearing up Low-A Rome.

Scouting Report: Shewmake&#39s first full back with Mississippi got off to an abysmal start, as Shewmake hit just .099/.158/.183 in May, which was poor to tank his season long line. While there&#39s no getting around his struggles early, the Braves were happy with Shewmake&#39s adjustment after the fact, and he hit a solid .265/.303/.462 with 11 home runs and a 110 wRC+ from June to the end of the season. He hit velocity well, showed contact skills and ability to shoot the ball the other way. Shewmake is a lean player who needs to add more weight to increase his power production and to better handle the rigors of a full professional season, though he struggled to add weight going back to his college career. The biggest bright spot of Shewmake&#39s season was on the defensive side. He drew rave reviews from scouts and managers for his play at shortstop. He has the physical tools and instincts to be a potential 55 defender, with good body control, an advanced internal clock and enough arm strength to make all the necessary throws.

The Future: Shewmake is likely slated to begin 2022 back in Double-A, where he will try to put together a complete offensive season and show strength gains. He&#39s now one of the only pure shortstop prospects in the system.

Tool Grades: Hit: 50. Power: 45. Speed: 60. Fielding: 55. Arm: 50.
Track Record: The Braves used the second of their two-first round picks in 2019 to select Shewmake after he was a standout hitter in his college career at Texas A&M. He spent 2020 at the alternate training site and began his first full season at Double-A Mississippi in 2021. He got off to a .094/.144/.165 start that weighed down his overall numbers, but adjusted and hit .263/.300/.456 with 11 home runs the rest of the year.

Scouting Report: Despite the ugly numbers in his full-season debut, Shewmake hits velocity well, has natural bat-to-ball skills and shows a knack for shooting the ball the other way. The Braves were happy with the in-season adjustments he made and he has the traits to be an average hitter overall. Shewmake is a lean player who needs to add more weight to increase his power production and better handle the rigors of a full season. He has struggled to add weight dating back to his college career. Shewmake’s defense is a bright spot no matter how he’s going offensively. He has the physical tools and instincts to be an above-average shortstop with good body control, an advanced internal clock and enough arm strength to make all the necessary throws.

The Future: Shewmake may begin 2022 back in Double-A, where he will try to put together a complete offensive season. His contact skills and shortstop defense give him the potential to be an everyday regular if he makes the necessary strength gains.
Hitting: 55. Power: 50. Run: 60. Fielding: 50. Arm: 50.
Track Record: Shewmake was one of college baseball's best hitters during his three years at Texas A&M and was drafted by the Braves in the first round, at No. 21 overall in 2019. He continued proving his hitting prowess by batting .318 at low Class A Rome and earning a promotion to Double-A in his pro debut. He spent the 2020 season at the Braves' alternate training site.

Scouting Report: Shewmake is an athletic, 6-foot-4 shortstop who possesses defensive versatility, a high baseball IQ and a natural feel for hitting. He has a solid, contact-oriented swing with above-average bat speed. He gets the most out of his natural abilities with a solid approach at the plate. His power isn't exceptional, but he has already added about 10 pounds since college and evaluators believe he could grow into 15-20 home runs if he continues to add more strength. The Braves will continue to run Shewmake out at shortstop, where he has solid instincts that make his reliable but unspectacular glove and arm play up. He's a better runner than expected from a player his height, getting to plus times underway.

The Future: Shewmake needs more time to acclimate to upper-level pitching, but he's already moving quickly. He projects as a super utility type for most scouts who can play all over the infield and potentially the outfield, if necessary.
Hitting: 55. Power: 50. Run: 60. Fielding: 50. Arm: 50.
Track Record: Shewmake was one of college baseball’s best hitters during his three years at Texas A&M and was drafted by the Braves in the first round, at No. 21 overall in 2019. He continued proving his hitting prowess by batting .318 at low Class A Rome and earning a promotion to Double-A in his pro debut. He spent the 2020 season at the Braves’ alternate training site.

Scouting Report: Shewmake is an athletic, 6-foot-4 shortstop who possesses defensive versatility, a high baseball IQ and a natural feel for hitting. He has a solid, contact-oriented swing with above-average bat speed. He gets the most out of his natural abilities with a solid approach at the plate. His power isn’t exceptional, but he has already added about 10 pounds since college and evaluators believe he could grow into 15-20 home runs if he continues to add more strength. The Braves will continue to run Shewmake out at shortstop, where he has solid instincts that make his reliable but unspectacular glove and arm play up. He’s a better runner than expected from a player his height, getting to plus times underway.

The Future: Shewmake needs more time to acclimate to upper-level pitching, but he’s already moving quickly. He projects as a super utility type for most scouts who can play all over the infield and potentially the outfield, if necessary.
Hitting: 55. Power: 50. Run: 60. Fielding: 50. Arm: 50.
Track Record: Shewmake was one of college baseball’s best hitters during his three years at Texas A&M and was drafted by the Braves in the first round, at No. 21 overall in 2019. He continued proving his hitting prowess by batting .318 at low Class A Rome and earning a promotion to Double-A in his pro debut. He spent the 2020 season at the Braves’ alternate training site.

Scouting Report: Shewmake is an athletic, 6-foot-4 shortstop who possesses defensive versatility, a high baseball IQ and a natural feel for hitting. He has a solid, contact-oriented swing with above-average bat speed. He gets the most out of his natural abilities with a solid approach at the plate. His power isn’t exceptional, but he has already added about 10 pounds since college and evaluators believe he could grow into 15-20 home runs if he continues to add more strength. The Braves will continue to run Shewmake out at shortstop, where he has solid instincts that make his reliable but unspectacular glove and arm play up. He’s a better runner than expected from a player his height, getting to plus times underway.

The Future: Shewmake needs more time to acclimate to upper-level pitching, but he’s already moving quickly. He projects as a super utility type for most scouts who can play all over the infield and potentially the outfield, if necessary.
TRACK RECORD: A high-level performer at Texas A&M, Shewmake was a two-time All-Southeastern Conference performer who finished his career with a .323/.381/.487 batting line. In his pro debut, he more than held his own at low Class A before moving to Double-A.

SCOUTING REPORT: An athletic and lanky, 6-foot-4 infielder, Shewmake has a solid all-around game with impressive instincts and defensive versatility, but what he lacks is a carrying tool. His loudest tool is likely his plus speed, but his most valuable trait might be a polished lefthanded bat. Shewmake has an unorthodox setup, but has above-average bat speed and twitchy hands. While he has a projectable frame one would typically project for increased power, Shewmake was lanky throughout his college career and struggled to put on weight. If he fills out as a pro, scouts could project above-average power. Shewmake has a chance to stick at shortstop, with solid athleticism, hands and leadership traits that fit the position, but many scouts believed that he would be a more natural fit at second or third base.

THE FUTURE: Shewmake should start 2020 back at Double-A, where he’ll look to continue his progress.
TRACK RECORD: A high-level performer at Texas A&M, Shewmake was a two-time All-Southeastern Conference performer who finished his career with a .323/.381/.487 batting line. In his pro debut, he more than held his own at low Class A before moving to Double-A.

SCOUTING REPORT: An athletic and lanky, 6-foot-4 infielder, Shewmake has a solid all-around game with impressive instincts and defensive versatility, but what he lacks is a carrying tool. His loudest tool is likely his plus speed, but his most valuable trait might be a polished lefthanded bat. Shewmake has an unorthodox setup, but has above-average bat speed and twitchy hands. While he has a projectable frame one would typically project for increased power, Shewmake was lanky throughout his college career and struggled to put on weight. If he fills out as a pro, scouts could project above-average power. Shewmake has a chance to stick at shortstop, with solid athleticism, hands and leadership traits that fit the position, but many scouts believed that he would be a more natural fit at second or third base.

THE FUTURE: Shewmake should start 2020 back at Double-A, where he'll look to continue his progress.
Shewmake quickly proved he was too advanced for the South Atlantic League. Signing quickly after the 2019 draft ended, he arrived in Rome on June 20 and was promoted to Double-A Mississippi less than two months later. In those 51 games, Shewmake showed a confident, advanced approach at the plate to go with above-average bat speed. "(He showed his) hit tool to all fields—a lot of line drives gap to gap," Rome manager Matt Tuiasosopo said. "He competes in the box, and he loves to hit." Shewmake is a tall, 6-foot-4 shortstop, but he moves well and showed solid athleticism with Rome. Like many young shortstops, he needs to improve his consistency. He had six errors in an eight-game stretch at one point, but overall, he showed the tools to stay at the position. Shewmake is an asset on the basepaths as well. A plus runner, he swiped 11 bags in 14 attempts, taking advantage of pitchers with slow moves to the plate.
A lanky, 6-foot-4, 190-pound shortstop, Shewmake can handle any infield position but started all 61 games at shortstop for Texas A&M as a sophomore and has continued to hold down the position as a junior in 2019. He's been among the most consistent hitters in the SEC over his three collegiate seasons, starting with a loud freshman campaign when he hit .328/.374/.529 with 11 home runs and 11 stolen bases and was voted first-team all-SEC. He has continued to hit at a high level, although Shewmake has not replicated his power numbers from his freshman season. Scouts wonder when he will start to physically fill out his frame and begin hitting for more power. He has good bat speed and some twitchiness with his hands at the plate, but he'll eventually need to add more strength to tap into additional power with a wood bat. He struggled in 44 at-bats for USA Baseball's Collegiate National Team last summer (.136/.250/.205), though his track record in the SEC will likely be emphasized compared to a much smaller sample with a wood bat. Defensively, Shewmake has all of the intangibles necessary to play shortstop, and he is a terrific in-game leader with athleticism. However, if he does begin to fill out physically, he has a chance to outgrow the position, and he doesn't currently have the hands of an everyday, major league shortstop. Because of those concerns, many scouts are mixed as to where Shewmake fits best, defensively. He's a plus runner who could handle all three outfield positions, if necessary, but teams will likely look to keep him in the infield before running him out to the grass. Shewmake is something of a conundrum to teams who view him as a player with a skillset that's greater than his tools, and he might be best served in a super-utility role down the line. Either way, his track record of hitting should have him selected on Day 1 of the draft, and there's more projection here if and when he starts to fill out physically.