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Braves Roster Prediction Heading Into Spring Training

By Jake Mastroianni

HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 06: Atlanta Braves players line up during the national anthem prior to Game One of the National League Division Series between the Atlanta Braves and the Miami Marlins at Minute Maid Park on October 06, 2020 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 06: Atlanta Braves players line up during the national anthem prior to Game One of the National League Division Series between the Atlanta Braves and the Miami Marlins at Minute Maid Park on October 06, 2020 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
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Atlanta Braves Freddie Freeman
Freddie Freeman #5 of the Atlanta Braves. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

Predicting the Starting Position Players for the Atlanta Braves

This will probably be the easiest prediction I’ll ever make on Tomahawk Take. The starting eight position players are pretty solid going into Spring Training.

1. Catcher – Travis d’Arnaud

TDA is coming off a great year offensively for the Braves. You just wonder if he’s able to do it over a full season, something he’s really yet to do in his career.

2. First Base – Freddie Freeman

The biggest question for Freddie Freeman going into spring training is will he get a contract extension. I honestly can’t believe it hasn’t already been done by now, but I’d be shocked if it’s not completed before the season starts.

3. Second Base – Ozzie Albies 

I’m not sure anyone on the Braves is ready to put 2020 behind them more than Ozzie. A wrist injury really just wrecked his season and I’m expecting a huge bounce-back year for him in 2021. Wouldn’t be surprised if he’s considered one of the best all-around second baseman in the game by season’s end.

4. Shortstop – Dansby Swanson

I feel like I’ve said this for the last three offseasons, but this is the year Dansby puts it together. He’s already done that in spurts over the last two years, but I think he goes to an even higher level in 2021 and becomes a top 10 shortstop in baseball (which he’s currently not according to MLB.com).

5. Third Base – Austin Riley

This is the one position that was questionable all offseason with speculation of the Braves possibly looking for an upgrade at the position. But the team seems pretty committed to Riley in 2021.

6. Left Field – Marcell Ozuna

It was pretty inevitable all offseason the Braves would go back to Ozuna, but it took a lot longer than we thought it would — mainly because of the DH hold up. I don’t expect him to 2020-level good, but his bat will be solid in the lineup behind Freddie. His defense … not so much.

7. Center Field – Cristian Pache

Because you have Ozuna in left, I think it becomes even more imperative for Pache to be the team’s starting centerfielder. Brian Snitker will have to be patient with the bat, but if he has the same type of at-bats he had in the postseason I’ll be more than happy.

8. Right Field – Ronald Acuna Jr. 

Maybe RAJ will finally get to play the position that I think he’s more of a fit and will be a Gold Glove player. I’m expecting HUGE things from Acuna in 2021.

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