Atlanta Braves: Bryse Wilson seeks to solidify a spot in 2020
It’s a crowded place
The greatest obstacle for Bryse Wilson for the impending 2020 season might have nothing to do with his own performance, but everything to do with who he’ll be measured against.
As it stands now entering Spring Training, the first four spots of the Atlanta Braves rotation appear to be solidified: Mike Soroka, Mike Foltynewicz, Max Fried, and Cole Hamels… or perhaps there’s now an opening here?
It’s what happens for that fifth starter’s role that will certainly be a subject of intrigue over the next several weeks.
Wilson is far from alone in his quest to take a stronghold of that spot.
One could argue that up to four others – fellow young right-handers Kyle Wright and Touki Toussaint, lefty starter-turned-reliever (turned-back-to-starter?) Sean Newcomb, and the ageless wonder Felix Hernandez – will all be vying for that final rotation opening.
One could argue that even if Wilson does impress in the spring, he might still come up short of a major-league roster spot, through no real fault of his own.
But, as always, it’s a long, long season – especially for starting pitchers.
Reasonable thought would suggest Wilson will still get several opportunities to make a name for himself in Atlanta this year, even if the bulk of his work is spent fine-tuning things in Gwinnett.
What to expect from Bryse Wilson in 2020
My prediction for Bryse Wilson in 2020? It’s a really tough call how much of a chance he’ll get, given the crowded Braves rotation, but I’ll say thanks to your usual injuries and attrition, Wilson will earn 10 starts with the big club this season, and he’ll put up an ERA just north of 4.00.
His strikeout rate will excite Atlanta fans when it trends back up over 9 K/9, while maintaining his walk rate at a workable 2.50 BB/9.
Next. Never tell me the odds. dark
Not necessarily electrifying numbers, but it’ll be a season of growing and taking steps in the right direction for Bryse Wilson in 2020.