The Atlanta Braves announced their roster for MLB's Spring Breakout series which takes place from March 14-17th. The series, started this year, is across all teams and allows every organization to showcase some of their future stars.
Spring Training is a great place for fans to see some notable prospects perform on the field but there are plenty more who aren't showcased. This allows fans the chance to see those prospects not invited to spring training.
Some future stars from across the league include Jackson Holliday, Paul Skenes, Dylan Crews, and Max Clark just to name a few. There is a lot of great talent that will be on display. Atlanta will be providing a decent amount of that talent as well. Let's explore who made the cut below.
The next wave of rising stars are here! 📈
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) March 7, 2024
Unveiling the rosters for the 2024 #SpringBreakout NEXT on MLB Network. pic.twitter.com/NL2r9GNlHp
Starting Pitchers
Spencer Schwellenbach and Owen Murphy are the two biggest names representing the Braves on the pitching side of things. Spencer, Atlanta's #3 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, aims to build off a strong return to baseball last season which saw him compile a 2.49 ERA across two levels (A, A+) while Owen Murphy put together a solid season (A, A+) with a combined 4.72 ERA and 1.283 WHIP across 21 games.
Relievers
Joining Spencer and Owen will be six relievers: RHP Domingo Gonzalez, RHP Patrick Halligan, LHP Hayden Harris, RHP Jared Johnson, RHP Rolddy Munoz, and RHP Shay Schanaman. LHP Hayden Harris is an intriguing arm who was signed out of Georgia Southern and has one of the best fastballs in all of minor league baseball.
Braves Spring Breakout roster features some notable names pic.twitter.com/aMF3u0XJvP
— Gaurav (@gvedak) March 7, 2024
Hayden appeared in 40 games last year across three levels (A, A+, AA) where he had a 4.10 ERA and 13.8 K/9. RHP Rolddy Munoz also showcases a huge arm - appearing in 20 games in 2023 (7 as a starter) and had a 2.29 ERA and 9.15 K/9. Munoz touches 99 MPH frequently but struggles with his command to the tune of a 4.88 BB/9 rate.
Position Players
Position | Players |
|---|---|
Catcher | Drake Baldwin, Tyler Tolve |
Infielders | SS Nacho Alvarez, 3B Sabin Ceballos, SS Diego Benitez, SS Ambioris Tavarez, INF Cade Bunnell, INF Bryson Horne, INF Keshawn Ogans, INF Luke Waddell |
Outfielders | Luis Guanipa, Isaiah Drake, Kevin Kilpatrick Jr., Cody Milligan |
Utility | Geraldo Quintero |
The Braves will boast a pair of solid catchers in Drake Baldwin and Tyler Tolve with Drake leading the charge after a masterful 2023 campaign where he hit .270/.385/.460 across three levels (A+, AA, AAA). Meanwhile, Ignacio "Nacho" Alvarez leads a talented group of infielders, along with international signings Diego Benitez, and Ambioris Tavarez. 2023 draft pick Sabin Ceballos makes the team as well after hitting .300/.440/.375 in his professional debut last year after being drafted out of the University of Oregon.
Luis Guanipa and Isiah Drake are the two big outfielders joining the squad. Luis, a big bat out of Venezuela, was signed for $2.5M during the 2022/23 international signing period for the Braves. The #9 prospect, according to MLB Pipeline, hit .238/.361/.384 in 46 games but boasts loud tools with a projectable hit tool, power, defense, and dynamite speed.
Isaiah Drake, brother of NFL running back Kenyan Drake, himself has 70 speed which translates well on the defensive side of the game, while showcasing average to above average power, as well as arm strength. If his bat progresses the way the Braves hope, he will be a fine center fielder himself.
Conclusion
Overall, the roster is solid if not spectacular. With the Orioles boasting an incredible roster, it's tough for any team to really live up to. Definitely would have liked to have seen Cade Kuehler, Drue Hackenberg, and Jhancarlos Lara but with it being Spring Training, the Braves likely have them on strict plans to get ready for the season. Positionally, Atlanta is bringing most of their best - shown by including Drake, Nacho, and Sabin along with the international trio of Diego, Ambioris, and Luis Guanipa. Make sure to tune in as you will get a great look at some of the names that look to move up the ranks this season.