Earlier in the offseason, I attempted to predict the Braves Opening Day roster for 2022. However, since then, things have changed. Most of the additions have been minor, but the Braves did receive a bombshell when it was announced that Marcell Ozuna will be able to play to begin next season. That changes a lot of things, so I figured it was best to revisit this piece and provide updates accordingly.
Starting Lineup
- Ronald Acuña (RF)
- Freddie Freeman (1B)
- Austin Riley (3B)
- Marcell Ozuna (DH)
- Ozzie Albies (2B)
- Adam Duvall (CF)
- Eddie Rosario (LF)
- Travis d’Arnaud (C)
- Dansby Swanson (SS)
Now, for the most part, this is the Braves 2020 offense all over again, which was a pretty dominant group. I’m not sure if Ronald Acuña will be ready for Opening Day, but I expect him back near the beginning of the season, so I included him. I have the Braves re-signing Freddie Freeman, which should delight Braves fans, but I also have them keeping Ozuna, which many fans will be upset about. I understand that, but ultimately I see the Braves holding onto him unless they can trade him without having to attach top prospects.
Albies, Duvall, d’Arnaud, and Swanson are all under contract through next season, so they should be on the roster unless there is a trade. I do think the Braves could consider a centerfielder in free agency, but both Acuña and Duvall have experience there, so I have them bringing back the magic of Eddie Rosario on a one or two-year deal.
Starting Rotation
I do have the Braves making a trade, but it’s to bolster their starting rotation, not their lineup. Sonny Gray is an arm the Braves have been connected to in the past, and I think he makes a lot of sense right now. The Reds are rumored to be listening to trade offers, Gray is on a very manageable deal, and he’s under team control for two more seasons. Adding him to the trio of Fried, Morton, and Anderson would give the Braves one of the best rotations in baseball.
For the final starter’s spot, I went with Kyle Wright. He was tremendous all season for the Stripers, and he proved his adjustments were not a fluke during the World Series. There was a reason this guy was taken fifth overall, and I think we see it all come together next season in Atlanta.
Bench
- Orlando Arcia
- Manny Piña
- Ehire Adrianza
- Guillermo Heredia
Arcia and Heredia each signed contracts to avoid arbitration. They should both be on the roster next season, along with Manny Piña, who will be the team’s backup catcher. Adrianza is the only one of this bunch not under contract, but I could see the Braves bringing him back as a cheap utility man that can play both the infield and outfield.
Bullpen
There’s a million different ways the Braves could begin the season with their bullpen, which is why I don’t see them adding anymore high-profile arms. Remember, Kirby Yates should also be ready to return at some point later in the season. The top four on this list are locks. I really liked what I saw out of Dylan Lee in the postseason, and Darren O’Day should make it as long as he’s healthy. The final two are anybody’s best guess, but I gave them to Jackson, who the Braves traded for this offseason, and Chavez, who I am hoping they bring back on a one-year deal like they gave Josh Tomlin.
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