The Atlanta Braves are officially less than a week away from Opening Day. That also means we shouldn't have too many more roster surprises (probably) ahead of the projected 26-man roster Atlanta will carry to San Diego.
However, the Opening Day roster isn't set in stone. It's likely we'll see roster transactions within the first couple weeks of the season as Atlanta navigates a brutal opening stretch. Throughout the marathon 162 game season the Braves will have injuries, and tough decisions on players who underperform.
That's where the other guys in the organization can come in and steal a roster spot. Below we'll discuss a couple veterans, and rising prospects not currently on the 40-man roster who could eventually find themselves on the big league roster by seasons end.
Here are the players in the Braves organization that could steal roster spots at some point in 2025
Alex Verdugo
The most recent signing by Alex Anthopoulos was nabbed off the free agent market to serve as outfield depth in 2025. Verdugo doesn't differ much in what Jarred Kelenic provides as the fourth outfielder, but given how the last few seasons have went you have to expect he will be needed at some point during 2025.
It could be just a couple week stint while someone recovers, but as fans know having quality depth is never a bad thing. There's also a world were Kelenic or Bryan De La Cruz struggle and Verdugo forces Atlanta's hand by playing well for Gwinnett.
Craig Kimbrel
The reunion with once dominant closer Craig Kimbrel seems to be destined to come full circle before the summer months. Because Kimbrel was signed so late in camp, he'll begin the start of the season building his arm up with Triple-A Gwinnett.
However, once Kimbrel is deemed ready, it shouldn't be hard to clear a spot in the bullpen for the man fifth all-time in career saves. The last few spots in the Braves' bullpen are relatively open and if Kimbrel looks good and healthy, he'll almost certainly get added.
Craig Kimbrel, Filthy 84mph Knuckle Curve. 😷 pic.twitter.com/FfQ5ov6y7N
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 17, 2024
Drue Hackenberg
The first "true" prospect with a chance is the Braves' sixth ranked prospect according to MLB Pipeline. Right-handed pitcher Drue Hackenberg was a 2023 second round pick, and spent last season pitching across three levels in the minor leagues.
The former Virginia Tech Hookie has the stuff to earn a promotion to Atlanta by seasons end. Hackenberg struck out 144 batters in 129 innings last season, although he also issued 62 walks. The Braves are usually not particularly shy about promoting fast-rising arms just look at Spencer Schwellenbach last year for an example.
Jhancarlos Lara
Finally we arrive at one of the most electric arms in Atlanta's system. Jhancarlos Lara is the 13th ranked prospect in the Braves' system, and has a nasty fastball/slider combination that could fast track him to Atlanta's bullpen.
The 22 year-old Lara does have to clean up his walks if he wants to make the jump to the big leagues in 2025. In just over 20 innings at Double-A Mississippi Lara walked 22 hitters. With the question marks surrounding Atlanta's bullpen in 2025 it's likely at least one prospect pitches well enough to earn a spot in the bullpen before 2025 is all said and done.
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