Shane Smith

ANALYSIS
Smith, a 6-foot-4 righty, opened the year pitching in short stints at Double-A before getting stretched out and having success as a starter (2.96 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 74:22 K:BB in 67 IP). He's finishing the year back in a relief role after getting the bump to Nashville. The Brewers signed Smith as an undrafted free agent in 2021 after he had just undergone Tommy John surgery, as the hurler opted to rehab with professional coaches rather than stay at Wake Forest. His 93.1 innings this year are the most he has thrown in any season on record, so the decision to sign with Milwaukee seems to have paid off. Smith, who works with a running four-seamer at the top of the zone and a wicked slider, is positioned to be a rotation option for the big club next summer.