Final Braves playoff roster prediction after more rotation concerns add element of chaos

The regular season is over, and the Atlanta Braves now have their chance to win a playoff series for the first time since their 2021 World Series run. To do so, the Braves will need to vanquish a familiar foe in the Phillies, who would love nothing more than to remove the stink of their near-collapse by sending Atlanta home for the offseason.

To prevent another disappointment, the Braves have to be smart with who they bring on their roster for the Wild Card series. Most of the playoff roster spots for the Braves are pretty set in stone. However, getting those last few spots right could very well be the difference between a relatively breezy series win and falling short yet again.

Final Braves playoff roster prediction on the eve of the first round of the 2026 MLB playoffs against the Phillies

These are certainly guesses, but educated ones. Most of the roster will not change much, no matter how much Braves fans may wish that it would. The lineup is pretty well locked in, and the rotation pretty much set itself given who is left to actually pitch. As for those last few bench and bullpen spots, we have some clues as to what Atlanta's thinking may be.

Catchers (2): Drake Baldwin, Sean Murphy

Including both Drake Baldwin and Sean Murphy on the playoff roster was a mortal lock, but bringing a third catcher along has some merit. Atlanta plays both Baldwin and Murphy pretty much every day, so they may be tempting fate by not bringing a backup plan. However, adding someone like Chuckie Robinson would require an injury, as the Braves don't have another catcher on their 40-man roster (well, sort of). We are wagering that the Braves take their chances with what they have, with the knowledge that they are going to be at home and can make an injury replacement on the fly if the need arises.

Infielders (6): Matt Olson, Ozzie Albies, Mauricio Dubon, Austin Riley, Ha-Seong Kim, Kyle Farmer

The Braves' choices here depend heavily on their catching situation. Matt Olson, Ozzie Albies, Mauricio Dubon, and Austin Riley (sigh) are a given. If the Braves don't include those guys, something has truly gone awry. While he still isn't hitting, having Ha-Seong Kim on the roster as a backup infield option could be a massive help defensively.

As for that last spot, this is a concession. Is Kyle Farmer likely to see any action in the playoffs? No, he is not. However, Farmer IS a good option as an emergency catcher (and pretty much the only other option on the 40-man). The Braves won't want to be completely reckless, so carrying Farmer on the 40-man makes a lot of sense. Sadly, that means Dom Smith won't make the playoff roster in this scenario, but the writing has been on the wall regarding his future for a while.

Outfielders (5): Michael Harris II, Ronald Acuña Jr., Mike Yastrzemski, Brewer Hicklen, DaShawn Keirsey Jr.

The top three names here were slam-dunk picks, as Michael Harris II and Ronald Acuña Jr. are lineup staples and Mike Yastrzemski is pretty much the last guy standing following Jurickson Profar's suspension and Lane Thomas' injury.

Thomas' injury has opened the door for Brewer Hicklen to get a shot, and his speed makes him a really solid pinch-running option. DaShawn Keirsey Jr. is not a sexy option as a third outfielder, but is also the only option unless the Braves go the injury-replacement route and try to get Patrick Clohisy into the fold. As a defensive replacement who is also a lefty bat and can run a little bit, the Braves could do a lot worse.

Pitchers (13): Chris Sale, Tyler Mahle, Grant Holmes, Didier Fuentes, Dylan Lee, Dylan Dodd, Raisel Iglesias, Robert Suarez, AJ Smith-Shawver, Victor Mederos, JR Ritchie, Ray Kerr, Brent Suter

Alright, this is the part of the roster that feels the most up in the air. Chris Sale and Tyler Mahle were givens, and Grant Holmes has pitched well enough to get a shot. Since the Wild Card round is a best-of-three series, there really isn’t a need to carry more than three starters, although having guys like JR Ritchie, Didier Fuentes, Dylan Dodd, and Victor Mederos who can throw multiple innings is nice to have in case things go wrong.

Robert Suarez has looked a little rusty, but he also proved that he is healthy, so he is in. The Braves are already discussing using Ray Kerr as a left-handed opener in the postseason, so he gets the nod as well. There is some wisdom in carrying a reliever like James Karinchak, but it is unclear if he could pitch on back-to-back days, so we opted to include Brent Suter as another lefty and multi-inning option (in addition to the vibes).

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