NORTH PORT, Fla. — Though the first baseman will be different, the Braves will look quite familiar when they open defense of their World Series title with their April 7 Opening Day game against the Reds at Truist Park.
Freddie Freeman has been replaced by Matt Olson, and a pair of postseason stars, Joc Pederson and Jorge Soler, have moved on to other clubs. But the Braves will once again feature many of the same players who helped them win last year’s World Series.
Because Spring Training was shortened after the recent lockout, all teams will reportedly be permitted to carry 28 players (no limit on the number of pitchers) until May 2. Neither MLB or the MLBPA have officially announced this plan.
Here is a look at the 28 players who could break camp with the Braves this year:
STARTING PITCHERS (6)
Prediction: Charlie Morton, Max Fried, Ian Anderson, Kyle Wright, Huascar Ynoa, TBD
Other candidates: Tucker Davidson, Kyle Muller
Johnny Cueto and Brett Anderson are among the veteran free agents who remained unsigned. But I’m thinking the Braves will wait to see who becomes available once other teams set their rosters. President of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos found great value when he went this route to get Anibal Sánchez before the 2018 season. If nothing materializes, Davidson or Muller could find a spot.
Manager Brian Snitker has said he will likely begin the season with six starting pitchers or at least one pitcher who could serve as an opener. Ynoa could fill either of those two roles.
BULLPEN (9)
Prediction: Kenley Jansen, Collin McHugh, Will Smith, Tyler Matzek, A.J. Minter, Luke Jackson, Darren O’Day, Spencer Strider, Sean Newcomb
Once May 2 arrives, the rosters will be reduced to 26 players and teams will not be permitted to carry more than 13 pitchers. So expect the Braves to carry 14 pitchers during the first few weeks of the regular season. This could be good news for Newcomb, whose candidacy is strengthened by the reality that he is out of options. Jacob Webb might be the better choice, but he has a Minor League option remaining.
The somewhat surprising addition here might be Strider. The hard-throwing right-hander began last season at Low-A Augusta and ended it within Atlanta’s bullpen. He struck out 39.3 percent of the 389 batters he faced over four Minor League levels last year. The 23-year-old right-hander will be in the Majors at some point this year. The only question is whether the Braves want to start him there or give him more time to develop.
CATCHERS (2)
Prediction: Travis d’Arnaud, Manny Piña
Barring an injury, the Braves will open the season with these two veteran catchers. The offseason addition of Piña will give Snitker a chance to keep d’Arnaud fresh throughout the season. Both of these catchers are good game callers who possess power potential.
There might be a greater need for a left-handed bat off the bench. But with the universal designated hitter in place, there will be fewer pinch-hit appearances. Therefore, Gosselin gets the nod because of what he can provide defensively.
First base:
Olson ranked first among all American League first basemen with the 13.2 fWAR he produced from 2018-21. Riley and Gosselin are among the other players who could play first base when necessary.
Second base:
Albies spent last year becoming the only second baseman in franchise history to produce a 30-homer, 100-RBI season. Arcia and Gosselin could play second base if needed.
Shortstop:
Coming off a career-best 27-homer season, Swanson is prepping to making his sixth straight Opening Day start as Atlanta’s shortstop. Arcia is the primary backup at both middle infield spots.
Third base:
Riley garnered some down-ballot MVP attention after hitting .303 with 33 homers last year. Arcia and Gosselin both have experience at the hot corner.
OUTFIELDERS (5)
Prediction: Adam Duvall, Eddie Rosario, Marcell Ozuna, Guillermo Heredia, Alex Dickerson
Ozuna seems to be best utilized as the designated hitter, but Ronald Acuña Jr. will fill that role when he is cleared to resume playing approximately two weeks into the season. The Opening Day outfield mix could go a couple different ways. The Braves could use Duvall in center, Dickerson in left and Rosario in right. But to create a better defensive trio, they could put Heredia in center, Duvall in left field and Rosario in right.
