Atlanta Braves: Predicting the 2021 Roster
We are halfway through the shortened 2020 season and the Atlanta Braves look to make a deep run into October. However, what will the Braves look like in 2021?
The Atlanta Braves have an exciting core of players that are hoping to finish 2020 with a victory in late October. However, what will this team look like in 2021?
We will take a look at what the Braves could potentially look like next season. This will include some predictions on off-season moves such as free agency and possible trades.
There are some players that we know for certain will be on the Braves next season. For example, Ronald Acuna Jr., Ozzie Albies, and Freddie Freeman will be at the top of the lineup if healthy.
Max Fried and Mike Soroka are the top of the rotation for the foreseeable future. The Braves have a lot of options, or question marks, about the rotation for the future, but these two young studs give the Braves a lot of confidence every time they take the mound.
However, what will the roster look like around these players? There are several question marks on the roster (hello, Austin Riley) that raises questions about the future roster construction. Also, what do the Braves do with veteran players like Ozuna, Markakis, and Flowers?
With all that being said, let’s jump into the roster prediction for next season. One last note, we are assuming the 26 man roster and the universal DH are here to stay and will be considering them when building the roster.
Atlanta Braves — Around the Infield
Catcher: Travis d’Arnaud
Easy answer here, but Travis d’Arnaud signed a 2 year $16 million deal before this season so he will be on the roster in 2021 barring a strange turn of events. When healthy, he provides solid offensive value at a position that isn’t the deepest across Major League Baseball.
First Base: Freddie Freeman
Do we really see anyone else lining up at first for the Braves anytime soon? Freeman’s contract is nearing the end of its deal but he’s still signed through 2021 and I would imagine Freddie gets an extension to stay with the Braves past 2021.
Second Base: Ozzie Albies
The third straight easy answer here. Unless something strange happens, Ozzie Albies will be the Braves’ second baseman for many years to come.
Third Base: Kyle Seager
Time for some fun. The Braves trade Austin Riley and Ender Inciarte to the Seattle Mariners for Kyle Seager during the offseason.
Ender would come off the books in 2021 for the rebuilding Mariners and could serve as a stop-gap if top prospects Jarred Kelenic or Julio Rodriguez need more time in the minors. Austin Riley is a former top prospect that has currently struggled at the major league level.
Seager gives the Braves a veteran at the hot corner for two seasons (Seager’s option becomes a player option in 2022 if traded). He will be 33 at the start of the 2021 season but has shown when healthy that he can be valuable with the bat.
Shortstop: Dansby Swanson
A young, hometown kid with two years of service time remaining? Unless Dansby falls apart in the back half of 2020, he will be that Braves starting shortstop come 2021.
Atlanta Braves — Outfield /DH/Bench
Left Field: Adam Duvall
Since coming back from AAA last season, Duvall has been a great addition to the Braves roster. A solid bat, a solid glove, and one year left of service time means we will see Adam Duvall back in Atlanta in 2021.
Center Field: Cristian Pache
The top prospect in Atlanta’s talented farm system will be given the reigns to patrol center field next season, especially with Ender being traded to Seattle in this scenario. Pache is considered a gold glove level defender by several scouts now. If that’s the case, the Braves will let him play great defense and bat 9th similar to how Washington is playing Victor Robles.
Right Field: Ronald Acuna
No surprise here. El Abusador will be patrolling right and batting at the top of the order for Atlanta for years to come. Here’s to a 40/40 season in 2021!
Designated Hitter: Nick Markakis
Is it sexy? No. Yet, you can do a lot worse than Nick Markakis and the Braves seem to love him. It makes sense for the Braves to bring back Markakis for another short term deal, plus, he can fill in as a 4th outfielder when someone needs a day off.
Bench: Johan Camargo, William Contreras, Adeiny Hechavarria, and Tommy La Stella
With the DH staying in the NL, there won’t be many pinch-hit opportunities so the Braves load up on cheap defensive options.
The Tyler Flowers era ends as William Contreras takes over as the second catcher. Alex Jackson should get consideration for this position as well, but there’s also the possibility he’s included in trade talks this offseason.
Johan Camargo and Adeiny Hechavarria both provide great defense off the bench and can easily step in to give someone a breather.
Tommy La Stella would be an interesting option as he provides a decent bat and can play a few positions if necessary. Guys like Freddy Galvis, CJ Cron, Justin Smoak, and others could also be cheap options for that final bench spot.
This collection of position players would give the Braves a deep lineup that would provide pitcher’s nightmares before facing Atlanta.
Atlanta Braves — Starting Pitching
Rotation:
- Mike Soroka
- Max Fried
- Marcus Stroman
- Ian Anderson
- Kyle Wright
I am going out on a limb and saying Mike Soroka is 100% healthy to start the 2021 season. It’s not out of the question that he could be back by the start of the year, but don’t be surprised if he misses the first month or two of the season as Atlanta is cautious with their young pitcher’s return.
Max Fried is the only pitcher I am certain makes the Opening Day rotation and probably is on pace to get the Opening Day start with the way he’s pitching. Fried is using 2020 as a platform to prove his worth and will look to carry this into 2021.
Signing Marcus Stroman makes a lot of sense for Atlanta. The Braves could use a veteran presence to stabilize the rotation for several seasons and Stroman would benefit from having Atlanta’s elite defense behind him. Give me Stroman in Atlanta for three or four seasons.
The 4th and 5th spots in the rotation are difficult to predict. I don’t see the Braves signing two pitchers this off-season, which would mean the young guns get opportunities to prove themselves.
There are rumors that Ian Anderson is getting close to reaching the majors this season. If that’s true, he has an inside shot at making the rotation in 2021, especially if he has an impressive showing in 2020.
Kyle Wright hasn’t been impressive so far, but he is still young and hasn’t made enough starts to be written off. As a former top prospect, he will get another shot to prove himself.
Wright Reaching Tipping Point. light. Related Story
Another option for the 5th spot in the rotation could go to another young prospect like Tucker Davidson, Patrick Weigel, and Kyle Muller. These young guys could see an opportunity if they impress at the alternate site and in spring training.
Also, Cole Hamels could receive consideration for another short term deal if the Braves and Anthopolous think it makes sense. A strong September and October from Hamels could also determine a potential extension with Atlanta.
Atlanta Braves — Bullpen
Bullpen: Will Smith, AJ Minter, Luke Jackson, Chris Martin, Shane Greene, Touki Toussaint, Josh Tomlin, Sean Newcomb
Smith, Minter, Jackson, and Martin are all under control/contract for 2021 and I imagine they find their way into the Braves’ bullpen next season.
Shane Greene and Josh Tomlin both are free agents after this season, but it makes a ton of sense to bring them back to solidify the bullpen. Greene has been excellent in the late-inning role and Tomlin has become popular in Atlanta due to his ability to do whatever needed out of the pen.
Touki and Newk make up the final two bullpen spots (Ynoa could easily find his way there if he continues to pitch well in 2020). Newk makes sense as a multiple inning reliever and some have thought Touki’s electric fastball and devastating curveball would play better as a guy out of the bullpen.
There are other options that could be explored this offseason. Melancon’s contract expires after 2020 but a short term deal to return to the Braves could be in the cards if he continues to pitch well.
Brandon Workman, Andrew Chafin, Tony Watson, Darren O’day, Tyler Clippard, and Trevor May could also be considered to fill out the Atlanta bullpen.
The Braves could make a deep run in 2020. However, injury concerns and questions about the rotation could be a potential downfall this year.
The Braves are in a great position to be competitive and take that next step forward as the class of the league starting in 2021. A few moves and they become legitimate World Series favorites.
dark. Next. Podcast: What Trades?
So, what do you think? What do the Braves look like in 2021? Drop your predictions for the lineup and rotation in the comments below.