Atlanta Braves: 3 sleeper candidates to make the roster
Most of the 26-man roster for the Atlanta Braves is set, but there are still a few question marks. Could some sleeper candidates fill those spots?
Pitchers and catchers for the Atlanta Braves have already reported, with the first game set to take place this weekend.
There really aren’t many questions for the two-time defending NL East champions, but there are some key positions where some under the radar players could make the roster.
It can be assumed that the following players are most likely to make the big league club:
*Note: this does not include Cole Hamels, who will likely begin the season on the injured list
- Catchers (2): Travis d’Arnaud, Tyler Flowers
- Infielders (5): Freddie Freeman, Ozzie Albies, Dansby Swanson, Johan Camargo, Adeiny Hechavarria,
- Outfielders (4): Marcell Ozuna, Ender Inciarte, Ronald Acuna, and Nick Markakis
- Starting Pitchers (4): Mike Soroka, Max Fried, Mike Foltynewicz, and Sean Newcomb
- Relief Pitchers (8): Will Smith, Mark Melancon, Shane Greene, Chris Martin, Darren O’Day, Jacob Webb, and Luke Jackson
Obviously there was one glaring omission from this roster – that was Adam Duvall. More on that on the next page.
Charlie Culberson and Yangervis Solarte will have a chance to earn a backup infield spot.
The bullpen has an option slot, as well as the rotation and the possibilities for each
With so much talent close to the big leagues, perhaps a top prospect or two could have a strong spring and find themselves on the roster?
It happened last year with Kyle Wright, but that was kind of out necessity due to injuries.
On the following slides, three sleeper candidates have been identified as having a chance to make the big league roster after camp breaks later next month.
Austin Riley, third base
It has been documented over and over and over again just how impressive Austin Riley was when he made his debut last May for the Braves.
But once more, Riley crushed 14 home runs in 43 games, before falling off a cliff in the last three months of the season.
In a recent Q&A session with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Riley talked about reconstructing his swing and how he feels like he has made the necessary adjustments.
It’s one of those things where I will believe when I see it.
However, if he can indeed be something similar to what he was last May, then that answers the third base question.
Subsequently, it would move Camargo to the bench and likely mean Duvall, Culberson or Solarte goes to Triple-A.
While the top four of the Braves lineup is quite powerful, there are some concerns after that. Riley’s emergence would undoubtedly lengthen and strengthen the lineup, as he would likely move into the fifth spot in the order.
Finally, if Riley shows he is more than capable to handle third base, then that takes another long-term question off the table for the Braves. There were reports over the winter that they were interested in some of the third basemen available.
Ian Anderson, starting pitcher
There is no better pitching prospect in the Braves system than Ian Anderson, who is ranked by many outlets in the top 50 of all prospects in the game.
He started last season in Double-A, before making the jump to Triple-A in the latter portion of the season.
With Mississippi, Anderson went 7-5 with a 2.56 ERA, but then struggled at Gwinnett going 1-2 with a 6.57 ERA.
While the numbers at Triple-A were not great, he did strike out a batter per inning. The walks are what plagued him; he walked 18 batters in 24.2 innings.
But he has made it known that he is in camp to compete for a rotation spot and not just for honorary reasons that sometimes prospects get prior to the season.
Anderson is currently not on the Braves 40-man, however, so they would have to free up room there.
With Hamels’ injury, questions about fellow prospects Kyle Wright and Bryse Wilson and then unknowns with Sean Newcomb and Felix Hernandez, if Anderson comes to camp and dominates, the Braves might have a difficult time keeping him Gwinnett.
Yes, it seems like it’s only a matter of time before Anderson cracks the Braves rotation and it’s almost a given that time is this year.
But Anderson could make the Braves have a difficult decision to make if he outduels Wright, Hernandez, and others in North Port.
A.J. Minter, relief pitcher
There was never supposed to be any question about A.J. Minter’s future with the Atlanta Braves.
He was tabbed as the closer of the future just two years ago and now he finds himself on the outside looking in at the Braves roster.
Minter started the year with Atlanta but was sent down on May 9 after compiling a 9.82 ERA in 11 innings.
He came back on June 11 and was a little better over the next two months, as his ERA lowered to 5.57. But he stilled walked nearly one batter per inning.
What might give Minter a better chance than others to make the team is the current lack of left-handed pitchers in the bullpen.
Even with the rule change that now forces a pitcher to face three batters going into affect, having a lefty in the bullpen is still something every team should have.
If Sean Newcomb moves to the rotation, which is expected, that leaves the bullpen with all right-handed pitchers.
Maybe Minter has reeled in his control and can have a great camp to make the big league club.
With how nasty his stuff is, adding a guy like Minter to an already stacked pen would make it even more formidable.
Markakis is underrated and angry. dark. Next
Conclusion
If everything plays out how it “should” then it would be surprising to see any of these three guys make the 26-man team. Riley obviously has the best chance, but still, it seems like Camargo will get the first shot. Then comes Minter and Anderson in last in terms of best chances.
But if there are three players in camp that could sneak onto the roster, it is these three.