Predicting the Bench for the Atlanta Braves to Start 2021
This is the part of the roster that scares me the most, and as we’ve seen in the past, it’s the part of the roster that can really kill a team.
But like the bullpen, it’s not terribly hard to re-tool a bench during the season.
22. Johan Camargo
Likely our best bench bat going into the season, Camargo’s time in Atlanta has soured over the last two seasons. He lost the job at third base and couldn’t quite transition to the super utility role that he seems perfect for. Hopefully he comes into 2021 with a new attitude and is ready to step up and contribute when needed.
23. William Contreras
This is kind of my wild card pick in these predictions, but I was really impressed with the small sample size we saw from Contreras last year and I think he deserves the back-up catcher job at this point. Right now he and Alex Jackson will be battling it out for that spot in Spring Training, but I give the nod to Contreras right now.
24. Ender Inciarte
Unless the Braves are able to trade him, or just simply cut him loose, Ender will be on the Braves roster to start the season. And he has some value in that rule as a late-game defensive replacement for Ozuna and a pinch-runner.
25. Travis Demeritte
The recently acquired Demeritte returns to the Braves where I think he could have a big role off the bench as a right-handed power bat. His main competition will be Abraham Almonte.
26. Jason Kipnis
My first non-roster invitee to break into the Opening Day roster, I would be pretty surprised if Kipnis can’t earn a spot on the bench. The veteran’s main competition is Jack Mayfield, Pablo Sandoval, and Ehire Adrianza. The Braves need a left-handed bat on the bench with some pop — only Kipnis offers that right now.
Others to consider for the bench
The only person I really think could get a nod over someone above (likely Demeritte) is Adrianza — simply because there isn’t a clear back-up shortstop. Camargo could fill-in at short if needed, but is not a great option there.
That’s how I think the roster is shaping up as we head into Spring Training. It will be interesting to see how some of these battles play out over the next month-and-a-half.