With Braves Spring Training set to begin in North Port, Florida tomorrow, it’s time to predict what Atlanta’s Opening Day roster will look like six weeks from now. Throughout Spring Training, I’ll be creating updated versions based on performances on the field and new additions. There’s still a ton to be sorted out before the start of the season.

Braves Rotation

1. Chris Sale
2. Spencer Schwellenbach
3. Reynaldo Lopez
4. Grant Holmes
5. AJ Smith-Shawver

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With Spencer Strider on the shelf to begin the season, the Braves will have an open competition for the final two spots between Grant Holmes, AJ Smith-Shawver, and Ian Anderson. Unless someone else is added, which is still very possible.

Given Holmes and Anderson are out of options, they have to be viewed as the favorites. If the competition is close, they’ll both get the nod. However, while I have all the confidence in the world in Grant Holmes, I’m not sold on the idea of Ian Anderson making a triumphant return. Injuries were only part of the problem; he’ll have had to make some significant adjustments to his repertoire if he wants to be a part of the Braves rotation. I need to see that first before I pencil him onto the Opening Day roster.

Braves Bullpen

1. Raisel Iglesias
2. Pierce Johnson
3. Daysbel Hernandez
4. Dylan Lee
5. Aaron Bummer
6. Angel Perdomo
7. Dany Jimenez
8. New acquisition

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Is this cheating? Probably… but I’m actually providing a bold prediction. I don’t think the Braves are done yet this offseason. They lost A.J. Minter to the Mets and Joe Jimenez will miss most of this year, and they have yet to add anybody to replace them. The Braves should feel confident in what they have in Daysbel Hernandez, and perhaps Angel Perdomo has an encouraging camp. But I’m going to be straight about this — this bullpen, as currently constructed, is just not good enough. The Braves still have some money available to spend, and the relief options available are not going to break the bank. Not adding to this group before the start of the season would be foolish.

Braves Catchers

1. Sean Murphy
2. Chadwick Tromp

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Sean Murphy is going to handle most of the catching duties for the Braves this season as long as he’s healthy, and Chadwick Tromp will sub in sparingly to begin the year. However, there is a good chance top prospect Drake Baldwin forces his way to Atlanta at some point during the summer. It’s just unlikely to happen to begin the season, as the Braves will want him to get as many reps as possible on the farm.

Braves Infielders

1. Ozzie Albies
2. Matt Olson
3. Orlando Arcia
4. Austin Riley
5. Nick Allen
6. Lucas Williams

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The top four will be the Braves starting infield. For now, Nick Allen and Lucas Williams have two of the final spots on the roster, but a ton can change over the next six weeks.

Braves Outfielders

1. Michael Harris II
2. Jurickson Profar
3. Jarred Kelenic
4. Bryan De La Cruz

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With Ronald Acuña Jr. to miss the first part of the season, Michael Harris II, Jurickson Profar, and Jarred Kelenic will be the Braves starting outfield on Opening Day. Bryan De La Cruz will serve as the team’s fourth outfielder and could see some run as a platoon option with Kelenic if De La Cruz can perform well during Spring Training.

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Photographer: Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire