The Braves are approaching the end of spring training. They open the regular season in Philadelphia on April 1 – just over a week away from Wednesday.
Here’s The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s 26-man roster projection. It should be acknowledged that the team’s options will almost certainly change as the Braves try to add another piece or two before the real games begin. This prediction is based off the players currently in camp.
Catcher (2): Travis d’Arnaud, William Contreras
D’Arnaud is slated to start most of the games at catcher. He was outstanding in his debut season with the Braves and was one of the three best backstops in the majors in 2020. The team didn’t re-sign veteran Tyler Flowers, so the backup spot will go to Alex Jackson or Contreras. The Braves like Jackson’s receiving ability, but he’s yet to show he can make consistent contact. Contreras offers more potential at the plate and athletic ability. The Braves could go either way here, and with the minor-league season delayed until May, they have options. That reality leads us in favor of Contreras, who would’ve been playing every day in Triple-A last season under normal circumstances. Jackson would be stationed at the alternate training site in this scenario.
John Bazemore
John Bazemore
Infield (7): Freddie Freeman, Ozzie Albies, Austin Riley, Dansby Swanson, Johan Camargo, Ehire Adrianza, Jake Lamb
The infield is led by Freeman, the 2020 National League MVP. Albies is healthy after an injured wrist interfered with his 2020 season. Swanson will handle shortstop, while Riley will begin the season as the primary third baseman. It’s a crucial year for him to continue making strides and show he’s the Braves’ long-term answer there.
Camargo is back as a utilityman. Adrianza, a non-roster invitee, has been the Braves’ best player this spring. History says he won’t provide much with the bat, but he’s performed incredibly well during the exhibition season and provides steady defense, so he’s played his way into a spot. Lamb is the team’s best hope at having some power off the bench, barring another addition. Jason Kipnis and Pablo Sandoval could remain with the organization, but both are facing uphill climbs to make the opening-day roster. This is an area to watch over the next week.
Curtis Compton / Curtis.Compton@
Curtis Compton / Curtis.Compton@
Outfield (4): Ronald Acuna, Marcell Ozuna, Cristian Pache, Ender Inciarte
The Braves have one of the most talented and exciting outfields in the majors. Acuna is a superstar and should have another All-Star-caliber campaign, if he stays healthy. Ozuna came within striking distance of the triple crown in 2020 and returns on a fresh four-year deal to handle left field. The Braves haven’t declared Pache their starting center fielder, but it’s the likeliest outcome. This will be the rookie’s first full season in the majors. Inciarte would be fourth outfielder in the final season of his contract (the Braves hold a 2022 club option that, unless there’s a major change, almost certainly will be declined).
Curtis Compton / Curtis.Compton@
Curtis Compton / Curtis.Compton@
Rotation (5): Max Fried, Ian Anderson, Charlie Morton, Drew Smyly, Bryse Wilson
Mike Soroka (Achilles) will join this group soon, perhaps in mid-to-late April. Fried likely will be the opening-day starter and will try to build off his breakout 2020 season. Anderson, still considered a rookie, will try to replicate that success (1.95 ERA in six starts) in his first full season. Morton and Smyly were signed last winter to stabilize the rotation. Soroka’s absence creates a temporary opening that’s now expected to be filled by Wilson. Kyle Wright and Wilson competed throughout camp and Wilson won the race. The Braves won’t necessarily need a fifth starter the first time through their rotation, but they could still carry Wilson, who could also help in the bullpen if needed.
Credit: Atlanta Braves
Bullpen (8): Will Smith (L), Chris Martin, A.J. Minter (L), Tyler Matzek (L), Josh Tomlin, Luke Jackson, Sean Newcomb (L), Nate Jones
Smith, Martin, Minter and Matzek will be the team’s four key high-leverage relievers entering the season. Expect Smith to have the bulk of closer duties. The Braves love Tomlin as a strike-throwing long-reliever who’s highly respected in the clubhouse. Manager Brian Snitker has praised Jackson recently, leading to his inclusion here. Jones, 35, has been stellar, not allowing a run in six appearances this spring. Because the Braves have options with some of their young pitchers - they sent Jacob Webb to minor-league camp Wednesday - they can carry some relievers who are out of options. The team views Newcomb as a reliever now, and he simply has a higher ceiling than Grant Dayton. Newcomb could also cover multiple innings. Carl Edwards, a non-roster invitee, is worth watching here, too. The Braves would certainly like to keep him even if he doesn’t make the initial cut.
