3 Atlanta Braves non-roster invites with the best chance to make Opening Day roster

The Atlanta Braves' roster is honestly largely set. They have a couple spots that are left unsettled, sure, but there are clear favorites at most of those spots and at others, a rotating cast of players that are already on the 40 man roster still seems like the most likely option the team pursues.

However, that does not mean that the Braves' non-roster invitees don't have any chance of making the team. With the team firmly in their contention window, there is going to be certain amount of competition of merit especially at positions where other players still have minor league options available. Here are three NRIs that have a realistic chance of making the Braves' opening day roster.

Jesse Chavez

Despite all logic, the ageless wonder Jesse Chavez might have the best chance to make the team amongst all of the non-roster invites. The bullpen is probably the most likely spot for NRIs to make the team in general and as we have seen, the Braves just can't quit Jesse. There are a million reasons why he shouldn't be the best option amongst the relievers, but this isn't about reason. This is about the devil magic that has seemingly allowed Jesse to turn back the clock while wearing a Braves uniform and a Braves uniform only. It would honestly be surprising if the Braves don't break camp with Chavez at this point.

Danny Young

If you look at Fangraphs' Braves depth chart for the bullpen, you will notice that there are currently three lefties in there. AJ Minter obviously isn't going anywhere, but he is also going to be manning mostly high leverage situations. Lucas Luetge is a professional junkballer, but he is out of minor league options and should fit the mold of a lefty specialist as long as he holds up.

That leaves Dylan Lee. Now Lee was legitimately very good for the Braves last season, so this is more speculative a pick. If either Lee struggles mightily this spring for whatever reason and Young looks good, he could get a spot while Lee gets sent down. The more likely path for Young, though, is that he just looks significantly better than the rest of the bullpen options in camp including Yacksel Rios (who is out of minor league options), the aforementioned Jesse Chavez enigma, and Dennis Santana (who is on the 40 man) and they decide they like the idea of a fourth lefty in the pen. A lot has to go right for Danny to get the nod, but its possible.

Ehire Adrianza

This is strictly a familiarity pick combined with hedging against a specific scenario. If Vaughn Grissom looks good this spring, he is a heavy favorite to be the Braves starting shortstop and Orlando Arcia will likely be the Braves' bench infielder. However, if Vaughn struggles and the Braves really want to send him down to the minor leagues to work on things, this opens the door for Adrianza. This scenario would put Arcia as the team's everyday shortstop and Adrianza settling back into his role as versatile bench guy for the Braves.