Braves Roster Prediction Heading Into Spring Training
Predicting the Starting Rotation for the Atlanta Braves
The starting rotation is pretty easy to predict at this point as well; although the health of Mike Soroka could make things a little more interesting in Spring Training.
9. Mike Soroka
He’s still the ace of the staff, the dude just has to stay on the field. A shoulder injury cost him significant time in 2018 and delayed his 2019 season. And then last year a freak Achilles injury cut short his 2020 season and possibly cost us a shot at a World Series title. Still, when he’s on the field he’s one of the best in the game.
10. Max Fried
A lot of people thought Fried would break out in 2020 — and many people were correct. Had he not missed time himself he would have certainly had a case for the NL Cy Young last season. We’ll see how he builds on that success in 2021.
11. Charlie Morton
The veteran of the staff, Morton brings a ton of postseason experience to the team and will hopefully bring some stability to the rotation as someone who’s capable of eating up innings and pitching deep into games.
12. Ian Anderson
When the Braves were searching for help at starting pitcher last year — acquiring guys like Robbie Erlin and Tommy Milone — Anderson stepped up when the team needed him most. Even the biggest Braves would have to realize there is likely some regression from his 1.95 ERA in 2020, but still, Anderson looks like a mainstay in the middle of the rotation for years to come.
13a. Drew Smyly
I’ll be the first to admit I didn’t understand this signing when it happened and still don’t now. But I have to trust the front office saw something in Smyly when they decided to give him $11 million to be our fifth starter.
13b. Kyle Wright
If Soroka can’t start the year in the rotation, then I like Wright’s chances of earning that opportunity to fill in for him. Before that blow up in the NLCS, Wright had strung together some really good starts in 2020.