Will Not - RHP Bryce Elder
The second prediction to not begin the 2024 season in Triple-A is Elder, who similar to Sale, will likely start the year in the major leagues.
Elder is coming off a breakout 2024 season in what was his second year in the major leagues, posting a 12-4 record with a 3.81 ERA and 128:63 K:BB ratio. The former fifth round pick would also make 31 starts across 174.2 IP, as well as make his first-career All-Star appearance.
Assuming that the top four spots in Atlanta's rotation to begin the year go to Fried, Strider, Morton, and Sale, then Elder is likely the favorite for that fifth spot, and rightfully so, coming off the 2023 season that the right-hander had.
With a strong spring training as well, the right-hander should get that spot over some of the other names on this list such as Smith-Shawver and Vines.