X-Factors
Alan Carpenter: It’s the entire lineup… no place to hide for an opposing pitcher since everyone can go deep at any point. Other than that… if Kyle Wright can finally emerge, then he’s a key to holding this rotation together.
Jake Mastroianni: Kyle Wright will have a breakout season
Fred Owens: Health, Once we get past the starting lineup, depth is very thin everywhere.
Sam Peebles: Ian Anderson. His peripherals show he is in for regression and he had 8 outings with 4 ER last year. The Braves are very top heavy in the rotation so they really need to be able to count on Anderson as a number 3.
Kyle Walter: Kenley Jansen, can he have a full season of being a reliable shutdown closer?
Jon Magel: Kyle Wright / other young pitchers step up
Matt Melton: Adam Duvall
Andrew Cicco: Kyle Muller; I see him being an important piece down the road
Payton Wilkerson: Dansby Swanson-Like his six year career with the Braves has been, Swanson was up and down throughout 2021. He did however hit a career high 27 home runs. Swanson is set to be a free agent at the end of the season, so 2022 will be the year to prove to the Braves he can be the shortstop of this team for the next five-six years. I think Swanson will rise to the occasion and will put together the best statistical hitting season of his career in 2022. His play will be important to the team come playoff time.
Thomas Ashworth: Dansby Swanson
Steven Teal: The Atlanta Braves Bullpen. Enough said.
Trent Dickeson: Someone stepping up and establishing themselves as the 4th and 5th starter for the Braves. Whether it is Kyle Wright, Tucker Davidson, Huascar Ynoa, Kyle Muller, Spencer Strider, Bryce Elder, or whoever. There is an opportunity to claim a full-time spot in the rotation and someone needs to reach out and take it.
Focusing on the individual names mentioned here, Kyle Wright is a popular name as an x-factor/breakout candidate. He was a high draft pick for a reason. The talent is there, is this finally the year for Wright?
Sam mentions Ian Anderson’s peripherals. A turn from others who believe Anderson will have a big year. If Anderson is not able to be a reliable third member of the rotation, it will cause problems for the Braves.
Kenley Jansen is a fun answer. The guy who is currently second in saves among active players joins the team. If he is the Jansen of year’s past, the Braves bullpen will be a major strength.
Adam Duvall will be asked to man centerfield on a regular basis in 2022. If he can provide the same stellar defense, it will be a huge benefit to the team.
Dansby Swanson has been one of the biggest topics of conversation among Braves fans for years. In a contract year, Swanson needs to put together a big year not only for the Braves but for his own personal benefit.