Atlanta Braves rotation and bullpen as of today
We know what the top 3 of Atlanta's rotation will be when 2024 rolls around and that includes Spencer Strider, Max Fried, and Charlie Morton. Bryce Elder is certainly an option as he showed promise in the first half of 2023 but regressed horribly in the second half. So he isn't a lock for the rotation.
Reynaldo Lopez is an option for the rotation obviously but Spring Training will determine if that is a reality or not. So, for now, we will consider him as the Braves 4th starting option. That leaves Bryce Elder, AJ Smith-Shawver, Darius Vines, Allan Winans, Huascar Ynoa, and Dylan Dodd as options to cover the final rotation spot unless Atlanta finds another external option.
There's an outside chance Hurston Waldrep could work himself into the conversation but I wouldn't bet on it. He's moving up quickly but don't expect him to be on the roster come Opening Day.
As far as the bullpen goes, Atlanta will feature mostly familiar faces with some new blood in the mix. The main question mark we have is for the long relief role as Michael Tonkin, who held the role in 2023, is no longer with the organization.
Reynaldo Lopez is an option for that role should the team feel he isn't ready to be a starter but being stretched out to prepare for the possibility may present a perfect opportunity for him. If the Braves surprise everyone and trade for someone like Dylan Cease, that certainly would make the decision a bit easier.
However, any of the names I mentioned as potential for the fifth starting spot could easily fit as long relief options. Huascar Ynoa is one to certainly keep an eye on as he makes his return from injury. He was a nice surprise for the Braves a couple of years ago so we know he has the ability. Long relief could serve as a great way to work himself back into shape before being a starter again.
As for the entire list of names available for the bullpen they are as follows (bold indicates players who are assumed a lock for the bullpen):
LHP Aaron Bummer
LHP Dylan Dodd
RHP Daysbel Hernandez
RHP Raisel Iglesias
RHP Joe Jimenez
RHP Pierce Johnson
LHP Ray Kerr
LHP Dylan Lee
RHP Reynaldo Lopez
LHP Tyler Matzek
LHP A.J. Minter
LHP Angel Perdomo
RHP Allan Winans
RHP Huascar Ynoa
There are a lot of good options for the Braves, especially in the southpaw department. There are some question marks on the list but it shows that Atlanta has done a good job building pitching depth over the last couple of seasons.
Dylan Lee is recovering from shoulder surgery so he may not be immediately available and Tyler Matzek is returning from Tommy John surgery. So, it explains why Atlanta made sure to have a lot of left-handed options available.
I know it can be difficult to see the Braves not adding a big free agent as a sign of the team not improving but after looking at this breakdown of the roster, I hope you realize just how well-prepared Atlanta already is for 2024.
Sure, I won't complain if they add another quality starter but the in-house options are pretty solid if they don't. If there is a need as we approach the trade deadline, AA will make sure to address the need appropriately. Braves fans are lucky to have a GM who doesn't panic and knows the right buttons to push at the appropriate time.