ATLANTA — Spring Training is here, and with it comes the annual debate over which players will claim the final spots on the Braves’ Opening Day roster. While some choices seem obvious, others could be decided by a mix of spring performance, contract status, and roster flexibility. It’s an unpredictable process, but that’s part of the excitement.
Catchers: Murphy Leads the Way, Tromp Holds the Backup Role
Sean Murphy is expected to take on the bulk of the workload behind the plate, likely catching four out of every five games. The 2024 season was a frustrating one for Murphy, who battled injuries and inconsistency. A bounce-back campaign could solidify his standing as one of the best defensive catchers in the National League.
Chadwick Tromp will serve as the backup, at least for now. He has the trust of the pitching staff and enough defensive skill to justify his spot. Meanwhile, top prospect Drake Baldwin remains in development. Unless injuries or unexpected circumstances accelerate his timeline, Baldwin will stay in the minors, fine-tuning his game until the team needs him at the big-league level.
Infield: Stability with a Few Bench Questions
Most of Atlanta’s infield is set in stone. Matt Olson, Ozzie Albies, Austin Riley, and Orlando Arcia return as the starting unit, forming one of the most consistent infields in baseball. The primary question revolves around who fills the reserve roles.
A few names are in contention for backup duties. Nick Allen offers elite defensive versatility, while Christian Cairo brings some offensive upside. Vaughn Grissom, if healthy, could provide additional depth and serve as a safety net in case of injury.
Outfield: A Locked-In Trio with Competition for the Final Spot
Ronald Acuña Jr. and Michael Harris II are locked into their respective spots in right and center field. Marcell Ozuna, primarily a designated hitter, could see occasional outfield reps when matchups dictate it.
That leaves left field and the fourth outfielder spot as areas of intrigue. Bryan De La Cruz is an intriguing candidate who could win a bench role with a strong spring. Eli White and Forrest Wall are also in the mix, though their minor league options could work against them. The Braves have shown a willingness to reward players who shine in camp, as they did with Wall in 2024.
Starting Rotation: A Formidable Five
The Braves enter the season with a strong rotation:
- Spencer Strider
- Max Fried
- Charlie Morton
- Chris Sale
- Bryce Elder
Strider is the undisputed ace, while Fried looks to put last year’s injury troubles behind him. The addition of Sale provides another veteran presence, but his durability will be closely monitored. Morton remains a reliable arm, and Elder, despite some inconsistency last season, has earned his spot in the rotation.
Bullpen: Sorting Out the Final Spots
Atlanta’s bullpen has been a strength in recent years, and 2025 should be no different. Key relievers include Raisel Iglesias, A.J. Minter, Joe Jiménez, and Pierce Johnson. However, the last few spots are up for grabs.
Dylan Lee, Tyler Matzek, and Aaron Bummer seem like strong bets to make the team, but competition remains fierce. Jesse Chavez, if healthy, could provide veteran leadership, while young arms like Daysbel Hernández might force their way into the conversation with impressive spring performances.
