ATLANTA — It’s that particular time of 12 months, once we argue about who ought to fill the ultimate bench and bullpen spots on an Opening Day roster. Earlier than getting too labored up about why Eli White, Nick Allen, Christian Cairo or Bryan De La Cruz ought to start the season on Atlanta’s bench, keep in mind Forrest Wall rounded out the bench to start the 2024 season.
To the Braves’ credit score, they rewarded Wall for having a powerful spring. However generally, in relation to your probabilities to make a giant league roster, it’s higher to be out of choices than to be the Grapefruit League batting champ.
Right here is my first crack at predicting the Braves’ Opening Day roster. Updates shall be made each couple of weeks throughout Spring Coaching.
Catchers (2): Sean Murphy, Chadwick TrompMurphy could also be requested to catch 4 out of each 5 video games as he makes an attempt to bounce again from final 12 months’s disappointing, injury-marred season. Tromp will fill the backup position whereas prime prospect Drake Baldwin will get extra seasoning and stays ready till there’s a transparent alternative to play regularly.
First baseman (1): Matt OlsonOlson has been Atlanta’s beginning first baseman for 485 of the 486 video games the Braves have performed since he was acquired earlier than the 2022 season. Marcus Semien (469), Freddie Freeman (467) and Francisco Lindor (467) are the one different gamers to make 460-plus defensive begins inside that span.
Second baseman (1): Ozzie AlbiesIf Albies stays wholesome, his bat can nonetheless compensate for the defensive worth he has misplaced over the previous few years, whereas battling accidents and shedding arm power.
Shortstop (1): Orlando ArciaThis shall be Arcia’s third and probably closing season as Atlanta’s beginning shortstop. The urgent concern is discovering a center infielder who can deal with shortstop or second base if Albies is injured this 12 months.
Third baseman (1): Austin RileyRiley’s bid for a fourth straight 30-homer season and first Gold Glove Award ended when he fractured his proper hand in August.
DH (1): Marcell OzunaOzuna is one in every of 9 gamers in baseball with a 900-plus OPS because the begin of 2023.
Bench/Utility (2): Nick Allen, Luke WilliamsThe Braves took infielder Christian Cairo within the Rule 5 Draft, that means he wants to stay on the massive league roster all season or they must move him by way of waivers and provide him again to the Guardians earlier than having the ability to hold him of their Minor League system. However it nonetheless seems like Allen, whose bat conjures recollections of Rafael Belliard, might have the within edge to start the season because the backup infielder. Being out of choices improves Williams’ bid to function the bench’s Swiss Military knife once more.
Beginning Pitchers (5): LHP Chris Sale, RHP Reynaldo López, RHP Spencer Schwellenbach, RHP Grant Holmes, RHP Ian AndersonHolmes and Anderson are each out of choices. This provides them a bonus over AJ Smith-Shawver, who’s aiming to discover a lasting rotation spot. As soon as Spencer Strider returns from elbow surgical procedure close to the tip of April, Holmes or Anderson might be moved to the bullpen.
Aid Pitchers (8): RHP Raisel Iglesias, RHP Pierce Johnson, LHP Dylan Lee, LHP Aaron Bummer, RHP Daysbel Hernández, LHP Angel Perdomo, RHP Anderson Pilar, RHP Dany JiménezPilar, who had 27 strikeouts and one stroll over 21 innings within the Dominican Winter League, was a Rule 5 select of the Marlins’ system. If he impresses throughout camp, the Braves might select to maintain him. If not, they’ll return him to Miami and take an opportunity on a number of the different guys who shall be in camp to audition.
Iglesias, Johnson, Lee, Bummer and Hernández are important locks for 5 of the eight spots. If Perdomo has a superb camp, he’ll give the ‘pen a 3rd left-handed choice. The ultimate two spots are up for grabs. Pilar will definitely be given a good probability to earn a spot. Jiménez walked far too many batters over the previous few years with the A’s. However in contrast to current non-roster invitee Chad Kuhl, Jiménez has remaining Minor League choices. That is necessary as a result of somebody shall be despatched down when Anderson or Holmes strikes to the ‘pen upon Strider’s return.
