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Atlanta Braves: Predicting the 2021 Roster

By Trent Dickeson

NORTH PORT, FL - FEBRUARY 22: Ronald Acuna Jr. #13 and Freddie Freeman #5 of the Atlanta Braves look on during a Grapefruit League spring training game against the Baltimore Orioles at CoolToday Park on February 22, 2020 in North Port, Florida. The Braves defeated the Orioles 5-0. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
NORTH PORT, FL - FEBRUARY 22: Ronald Acuna Jr. #13 and Freddie Freeman #5 of the Atlanta Braves look on during a Grapefruit League spring training game against the Baltimore Orioles at CoolToday Park on February 22, 2020 in North Port, Florida. The Braves defeated the Orioles 5-0. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Max Fried #54 of the Atlanta Braves. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Max Fried #54 of the Atlanta Braves. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

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.

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