Alex Anthopoulos has been wheeling and dealing more than any other general manager to this point in the offseason, and the Braves aren’t close to finished. Most are expecting at least one more significant splash, if not multiple. But at the very least, there will be several more minor transactions between now and the start of the season.
As of now, let’s take a look at the current construction of the Braves 26-man roster and evaluate where we could see some tweaks.
Current Braves 26-man roster outlook
Rotation
Honorable Mention: Reynaldo Lopez
I expect the Braves to add another starting pitcher before the end of the offseason, so they don’t feel like they have to rush AJ Smith-Shawver. But right now, Reynaldo Lopez could also be a viable option for that fifth spot, as the Braves have stated they will stretch him out as a starter going into the season. Beyond those six, the Braves also have Ian Anderson, Huascar Ynoa, Darius Vines, Allan Winans, and Dylan Dodd on the 40-man roster. All of them could start games at some point next season, as well as Hurston Waldrep, the Braves 2023 first-round pick. It’s already a pretty deep crop of starting pitching options, and it could get even better with one more addition.
Bullpen
- Raisel Iglesias
- A.J. Minter
- Aaron Bummer
- Joe Jimenez
- Pierce Johnson
- Reynaldo Lopez
- Dylan Lee
- Tyler Matzek
Honorable Mention: Daysbel Hernandez, Jackson Stephens, Huascar Ynoa
This might be the deepest bullpen the Braves have ever had, especially if Dylan Lee and Tyler Matzek can return to form following significant injuries. Matzek was once one of the best relievers in baseball and Lee has been among the most underappreciated relief arms in the game over the last several years. Those are potentially the club’s seventh and eighth options. The Braves also have Daysbel Hernandez, who is a promising live arm, and Huascar Ynoa could potentially become a weapon in relief with his high velocity. Jackson Stephens will provide quality depth as well if injuries arise.
Catchers
I expect these to be the Braves two catchers on Opening Day. The recent acquisition of Max Stassi from the Angels does open the door for Travis d’Arnaud potentially to be moved in a trade, but I don’t see that happening. Stassi is much more likely to be traded before the start of the season.
Infield
We know what the starting infield is going to look like, but who is going to serve as the Braves utility man? Fletcher, who they also recently acquired from the Angels, makes a lot of sense if they don’t decide to move him in a separate trade, but what does that mean for Vaughn Grissom?
Outfield
- Ronald Acuña Jr.
- Marcell Ozuna
- Michael Harris II
- Jarred Kelenic
- Vaughn Grissom?
- Forrest Wall
With the recent acquisition of Jarred Kelenic, the Braves outfield seems to be set. As of now, he’ll likely compete with Vaughn Grissom for the starting job in left field. The other could be left on the bench, or perhaps even traded before the start of the season.
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Photo: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
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