Predicting the Braves 2023 Opening Day roster (3.0)

The regular season is under three weeks away. We are nearing the halfway point of Spring Training, which means it’s time for another edition of Opening Day roster predictions for the Braves. Not a ton has changed, but there’s one critical roster battle that will likely go down to the wire, and right now, I’m giving the nod to the man with less experience.

Rotation

1. Max Fried
2. Spencer Strider
3. Kyle Wright
4. Charlie Morton
5. Bryce Elder

Kyle Wright might not even be ready for the start of the season. He’s expected to make his spring debut this week after rehabbing shoulder. However, that’s not really the point of this exercise. He should be ready by early April. The top four spots in the rotation are locked in, but that roster battle I was talking about is for the fifth spot in the rotation. I’ve consistently stuck with Ian Anderson all winter, but it’s spring now, and I’m leaning towards Bryce Elder. He’s simply looked better than Anderson and finished last year on fire. I think there’s a chance he runs with the job and never looks back.

Bullpen

1. Raisel Iglesias
2. AJ Minter
3. Joe Jiménez
4. Collin McHugh
5. Lucas Luetge
6. Kirby Yates
7. Dylan Lee
8. Nick Anderson

With so many high quality arms, the battle for the final spots in the bullpen figured to be the most competitive coming into Spring Training. However, it’s sorting itself out pretty clearly. Unless something changes, these are the eight guys I expect on the Braves Opening Day roster. Nick Anderson has looked unbelievable early on in Spring Training.

Catcher

1. Sean Murphy
2. Travis d’Arnaud

Nothing is changing here unless there is an injury. Next.

Infielders

1. Austin Riley
2. Matt Olson
3. Vaughn Grissom
4. Orlando Arcia
5. Ozzie Albies

I didn’t have anything changing here. Although, Ehire Adrianza has had a nice Spring Training and can play all over the diamond. He could be a sneaky candidate to make the roster if his success continues.

Outfielders

1. Ronald Acuña Jr.
2. Eddie Rosario
3. Michael Harris II
4. Marcell Ozuna
5. Sam Hilliard
6. Eli White

This is the same except for one small change. The top four are locked in. We know that, and I think Sam Hilliard has done enough to make the roster. The fact that he has no more options will also encourage the Braves to give him a spot. The only change is the addition of Eli White over Kevin Pillar. White has been really good in Spring Training and is an excellent option as a defensive replacement. Pillar may be better offensively, but that’s not as important with the universal DH. Pillar will also be paid $3 million if he makes the major-league roster, which could also play a factor in the decision.

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Photographer: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire