3 Braves players that don't belong on their playoff roster, 2 who should make it
The 2023 postseason is coming up fast and the Braves have some important choices to make when it comes to their playoff roster.
After another thrilling comeback against the Cubs last night, the Atlanta Braves have secured the top seed in the National League and are very close to securing home field advantage throughout the 2023 playoffs. While nothing is a sure thing in the playoffs as we saw last year, the Braves are still in a very strong position heading into the postseason.
However, just because the Braves are largely set at most positions doesn't mean that some hard decisions don't need to be made ahead of the postseason. In fact, the issues with the Braves' pitching staff are going to require some playoff roster creativity in addition to the Braves needing to iron out some details with their bench.
Here are 3 Braves players that don't belong on their playoff roster, 2 who should make it
To be clear, nothing is set in stone right now. We know that Charlie Morton is not going to be available for the NLDS, but Max Fried's recovery from a blister could throw a wrench in things as well as any number of injuries the rest of the way. This is also just a look at how the Braves should set their roster for the division series which is only five games with lots of days off built in which means they can get away with less starting pitching, more bullpen arms, etc.
Enough of the caveats, here is a look at some players the Braves need to leave off of their playoff roster and a couple guys that they need to consider adding.
Kyle Wright needs to be left off the postseason roster...although the NLCS is a different story
Kyle Wright was dealt a really crappy hand in 2023 without question. Wright has been banged up all season long with shoulder issues and when he has been on the mound, the results haven't been there. While it would be nice if he could turn back into the guy he was last season, the Braves need to recognize the reality that he doesn't belong on the NLDS roster.
The problem here is twofold. One, it has been clear since Kyle returned from the IL that he still has a lot of work to do to get back to being a reliable starter again. While the Braves are dealing with injuries in their rotation right now, they should have enough arms that are in a better place than Wright for the shorter playoff series and it is unclear if he would fare much better out of the bullpen. However, the NLCS is a longer series and the potential need for an arm that can provide some length is higher there, so don't be surprised if Wright gets a look again if the Braves advance past the first round.
Forrest Wall should make it on the Braves' playoff roster
The final bench spots are always funny things for any playoff team. There is the potential need to carry a third catcher and then there are the philosophical choices regarding pinch-hitting and pinch-running to consider. While the Braves don't have a shortage of outfielders right now (especially if you include Marcell Ozuna as an option), Forrest Wall still deserves a spot on the Braves' playoff roster.
Wall isn't likely to get a lot of playing time unless things go tragically wrong this postseason, but having him on the playoff roster allows for some dynamic options for Snit in close games. In addition to being a pretty good option as a defensive replacement, Wall can flat out fly and his utility as a pinch-runner in key situations late and especially in extra innings with the ghost runner rule still around can't be ignored.
The Braves need a different long relief option than Michael Tonkin
For a while in 2023, Michael Tonkin was a great story. After a lengthy stay in the Braves' minor league system, Tonkin finally made it back to the major leagues and pitched pretty well over the summer. However, a 7.11 ERA in September and with better options available, his spot on the playoff roster could be in jeopardy.
The Braves' decision with Tonkin could come down to their comfort level with other long relief options. Kyle Wright is a bit scary to consider as an option, but guys like Darius Vines, Allan Winans (more on him in a second), and AJ Smith-Shawver can all pitch multiple innings and probably have more upside than Tonkin. Given his performance lately, the Braves need to think long and hard before carrying him in the NLDS especially if they have Bryce Elder on a short leash.
Allan Winans could be a sneaky good addition to the Braves' postseason roster
Speaking of long relief options, one way that the Braves can hedge against Bryce Elder completely imploding in on himself as well as giving the bullpen another length option is by adding Allan Winans to the playoff roster. Not only has he pitched pretty well this season in limited action, but his profile lends itself favorably to pitching in the postseason.
In the playoffs, you want guys who can miss bats, don't walk many guys, and keep the ball in the park. Winans has struck out better than a batter an inning in 2023 with an impressive 2.00 BB/9 walk rate to go along with it and his 2.74 FIP points to his batted ball characteristics being right in line with what the Braves should want even if he has been a bit unlucky at times this season. Having Winans on the roster would also mean that if Elder struggles, the Braves can handcuff Winans to him and have him pitch multiple innings to preserve the bullpen and keep Atlanta in the game.
Luke Williams is too redundant to carry on the bench in the playoffs
Finally, we come to Luke Williams who is easy to forget is on the big league roster and that is the problem. While carrying Williams right now as the last bench slot in the regular season makes a lot of sense, the postseason introduces some wrinkles that makes keeping him around far less likely.
For starters, the Braves are a lock to carry a third catcher as both Sean Murphy and Travis d'Arnaud are top candidates to have pinch runners come in for them late in games and both guys have been banged up this season. That means Chadwick Tromp is going to need a bench slot. With Nicky Lopez around as the backup infielder and Forrest Wall seemingly the best pinch runner option, Williams just doesn't have a role and including him would be a waste.
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