Building a playoff team out of former Atlanta Braves players

Not many teams would want to even face a roster of the Braves' cast-offs.

Sep 26, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) runs to
Sep 26, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) runs to | Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
4 of 4

SP - Dallas Keuchel

The pickings at starting pitcher were pretty slim at this point as most of the guys the Braves have let go haven't been good, so Dallas Keuchel gets the nod despite the fact that he is quite past his prime. Keuchel was another guy that could make fans uncomfortable when he was on the mound for Atlanta, but he did post a 3.75 ERA in 19 starts for them. He is still kicking around with the Twins these days and has a 5.67 ERA in eight appearances in 2023.

RP - Craig Kimbrel

Not only is Craig Kimbrel the best reliever to ever play for the Braves, he is one of the absolute best relievers of all-time. In five seasons with Atlanta, Kimbrel averaged a 1.43 ERA and struck out 476 batters in 289 innings of work. Those are video game numbers. After all of these years, Craig is still doing his thing closing games for the Phillies and is the arm of choice for high leverage situations on this roster.

RP - Bryse Wilson

Will Smith does still exist and obviously put up one hell of a 2021 postseason with the Braves, but the idea of Smith on the mound in a key spot still triggers PTSD-like symptoms for many. Instead, the nod here goes to Bryse Wilson who honestly looked like he could have been out of the league soon when the Braves traded him. However, he has remade himself as a reliever and has excelled in Milwaukee in 2023. In 52 appearances this season, Bryse has posted a 2.62 ERA and gives this roster another very respectable option out of the 'pen.

RP - Chris Martin

Finally, we come to Chris Martin who remains one of the more underrated acquisitions that Alex Anthopoulos has made as general manager. Unfortunately, injuries cost Martin some playing time in Atlanta both in the regular season and in a very important playoff game that we aren't going to talk about because it makes us sad. Martin has been awesome since leaving the Braves and put up a 1.05 ERA in 55 appearances in 2023 for the Red Sox.

More Braves News from House That Hank Built

Schedule