Ken Giles
One of the non-roster invites that has probably the most name recognition is that of Ken Giles. The once highly effective, hard-throwing closer made waves when his name popped up among the list of non-roster invites for Atlanta.
However, we don't really expect this fairy tale to have a happy ending as Giles has a long way to go before proving his is worthy of a roster spot in a crowded bullpen. Having not pitched more five innings in a season since 2019, Giles has an uphill battle ahead of him this spring.
Dylan Dodd
Although Dodd wasn't on the initial 2023 Opening Day roster, he did start one of the Braves first five games last season. This was due to his impressive spring and the injury to Kyle Wright. Dodd started just seven games with the big league club last year, and the results weren't necessarily noteworthy.
This spring Dodd would need a rash of injuries to the rotation to occur to have any hopes of making the 2024 Opening Day roster, which of course something every Braves fan is hoping DOES NOT happen. One of the many reasons to hope for a healthier year from the rotation in Atlanta, would be the added benefit of guys like Dodd, AJ Smith-Shawver, and Hurston Waldrep getting valuable reps in the minor leagues. Speaking of Waldrep...
Hurston Waldrep
The top ranked prospect in the Braves system by many accounts, is the 2023 first round pick out of the University of Florida. Waldrep zoomed through the each level of the minors in his first season of pro ball last year.
Because his season ended in Triple-A Gwinnett, many are speculating if the 21 year-old is worthy of a big league promotion in 2024. Although, we won't rule that out entirely, we do think it's a huge stretch to expect either of Waldrep or AJSS on the Opening Day roster. Both guys would very much benefit with extra time with Gwinnett to harness their command some more.
However, if the rotation starts to leak with injuries like it did much of 2023 in Atlanta, don't be shocked to see on of these young exciting prospects up with the big league club.