Braves Opening Day Projected Outfield
- Ronald Acuna Jr. - RF
- Michael Harris II - CF
- Jarred Kelenic - LF
- Marcell Ozuna - DH
Again, no surprises here as the Braves' outfield is pretty locked in. Ronald Acuna Jr. is arguably the best player on the planet and is coming off a historic 40/70 season last year. Michael Harris II bounced back from a slow start in 2023 and could be primed for a breakout season this year that might include a Gold Glove.
Jarred Kelenic will certainly be the Braves' starting left fielder to start the season, but his status is worth monitoring over the course of the season. His ceiling is incredibly high, but his struggles in the big leagues previously make his roster spot somewhat precarious. Ozuna returns at the designated hitter spot and he, in theory, could see some time in left, although one hopes that is an option that is used very, very sparingly.
Braves Opening Day Projected Bench
One bench spot is reserved for whichever catcher isn't playing each day. A couple of new faces are early favorites for the backup infield spots in Luis Guillorme and David Fletcher. Both players are capable of playing multiple positions in the dirt and should protect against any short-term absences that come up over the course of the season.
Given the expected lack of playing time for bench guys, carrying just one backup outfielder makes the most sense with Forrest Wall getting the nod here. A right-handed bench outfielder may be ideal for this spot, but Wall is already on the 40-man roster, has three minor league options left, and is an excellent choice as a pinch-runner late in games.
Braves prospects who could make an impact later in 2024
Hurston Waldrep is the easiest name to mention here as he burst on to the scene after the Braves picked him in the first round last year. He has a slight chance of making the team right out of camp, but we are betting the Braves wait a bit longer to give him some more development time to work on his command before he gets the call.
The Braves have a slew of minor league pitchers that could be in play this season with AJ Smith-Shawver, Darius Vines, Dylan Dodd, Spencer Schwellenbach, Luis De Avila, and Allan Winans all being in the running.
The position player group is not nearly as deep, however, Drake Baldwin could easily see time at catcher if TdA needs time off or if there is an injury. Ignacio "Nacho" Alvarez is at Double-A for the moment and can play any position in the infield. If he starts hitting for some power, he is an option especially if there is an injury on the left side of the infield. As for outfielders, let's just hope none of those guys get hurt, but Cody Milligan and Jesse Franklin V could be in play if something were to happen.