One of the new aspects of this year’s shortened season is a 60-man taxi squad. It will include all members of the 40-man roster plus 20 other players that teams could potentially use during the season. However, the prototypical 40-man roster rules still apply. Therefore, let’s say an organization wanted to pull one of the 20 players from their taxi squad to start. That team would have to make room on their 40-man roster. Ways for that to happen, include a positive test for the coronavirus, placing a player on the 60-day IL, or designating a player for assignment. Teams have to submit their 60-man taxi squad three days before spring training, which is set to begin on July 1st.
Alex Anthopoulos said yesterday that the Braves want to make sure they have enough depth on their taxi squad so that the major league squad won’t be compromised. However, they also want to incorporate some of their young prospects, so they don’t miss an entire season of development.
Current 40-Man roster
Pitchers
- Mike Soroka
- Tucker Davidson
- Mike Foltynewicz
- Max Fried
- Cole Hamels
- Jasseel De La Cruz
- Kyle Wright
- Grant Dayton
- Shane Greene
- Luke Jackson
- Chris Martin
- Mark Melancon
- A.J. Minter
- Sean Newcomb
- Darren O’Day
- Phillip Pfeifer
- Will Smith
- Chad Sobotka
- Touki Toussaint
- Jeremy Walker
- Jacob Webb
- Patrick Weigel
- Bryse Wilson
- Huascar Ynoa
Catchers
- Travis d’Arnaud
- Tyler Flowers
- Alex Jackson
- William Contreras
Infielders
- Ozzie Albies
- Dansby Swanson
- Johan Camargo
- Austin Riley
- Freddie Freeman
- Adeiny Hechavarria
Outfielders
- Ronald Acuna Jr.
- Ender Inciarte
- Nick Markakis
- Marcell Ozuna
- Adam Duvall
- Cristian Pache
20 Other Members of the Taxi Squad
Pitchers
- Felix Hernandez
- Chris Rusin
- Josh Tomlin
- Ian Anderson
- Tyler Maztek
- Thomas Burrows
- Kyle Muller
- Victor Vodnik
In a short season like this, where the coronavirus could play a factor, pitching is going to be crucial. I expect two of these guys to be promoted to the 40-man roster before the start of the season — Felix Hernandez and Josh Tomlin. The rest are experienced minor league arms that could be called upon in a desperate situation.
Catchers
- Shea Langiliers
Langiliers doesn’t even have a full season of professional baseball under his belt yet, but the Braves almost have to include him in case they need him as an emergency catcher. His offense may not be major league ready yet, but his defense is, and that’s all the Braves would be hoping for if multiple catchers went down with injury or tested positive for the coronavirus.
Infielders
- Charlie Culberson
- Yonder Alonso
- Yangervis Solarte
- Sean Kazmar Jr.
- Braden Shewmake
- C.J. Alexander
Charlie Culberson has a fantastic chance to be promoted to the 40-man and make the Opening Day roster with a solid showing during Spring Training 2.0, but at the very least, he will be named to the taxi squad. Alonso and Solarte are also two MLB journeymen that serve as quality depth in case of emergency. Shewmake may be a stretch. However, he has some upside if the Braves become desperate, and the organization will likely want to keep him around, so he doesn’t completely miss an entire season. Plus, Atlanta lacks middle infield depth.
Outfielders
- Drew Waters
- Peter O’Brien
- Rafael Ortega
- Trey Harris
- Greyson Jenista
Drew Waters, the Braves #2 prospect, is a no brainer to make this taxi squad, and there’s a possibility he makes his major league debut this season. Peter O’Brien and Rafael Ortega are two AAAA players that can be used if the outfield depth widdles away on the 40-man for whatever reason. And Trey Harris and Greyson Jenista are two older prospects that the Braves would probably like to have around, so they don’t miss an entire year outside the organization.
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