We are more than halfway through Spring Training. In two weeks, it’ll be Opening Day for the Braves. A lot will be decided between now and then, but as we learned this week, some stuff has already been decided with Ian Anderson and Bryce Elder being optioned to Gwinnett. It’s a safe bet they won’t make this list, but their competition most definitely will.
Eli White
If White doesn’t make the roster, it’s only because he has options, allowing the Braves to stash him in Gwinnett until he is needed. He’s a fantastic option off the bench for his speed and defense, but it’s his bat that has impressed the most in Spring Training. In 23 at-bats, he has 11 hits, six of which have gone for extra bases, including three homers. Regardless of whether he has options, if he keeps hitting like this, he’ll make his way to Atlanta.
Marcell Ozuna
Ozuna began Spring Training slowly, but since Brian Snitker guaranteed his spot on the Opening Day roster, he’s been on fire. His average is up to .321, with an OPS of .831.
Sam Hilliard
If Spring Training is any indication, the Braves will be just fine in left field. Hilliard is hitting .357 with a .971 OPS over 28 at-bats. White, Ozuna, and Hilliard have been outstanding. Unfortunately, Spring Training results don’t always carry over to the regular season.
Braden Shewmake
I would call this a make-or-break year for Shewmake. He’s struggled at the plate over the last two seasons, but if his offense can catch up, he could be an option at shortstop for the Braves in the future. So far this Spring, he’s looked comfortable at the plate, recording an .804 OPS over 24 at-bats.
Dylan Lee
Lee was outstanding for the Braves last year, and he’s continuing that form in Spring Training. He’s yet to allow a run over 4.1 innings.
Jared Shuster
With his performance this Spring, I think it’s fair to say Shuster is the favorite to earn the final spot in the rotation. He’s allowed just one run and two hits over 8.2 innings, striking out nine.
Dylan Dodd
If Shuster doesn’t make the Opening Day roster, it’s because of this man. The 2021 third-round pick out of Southeast Missouri State has yet to allow a run this spring if you don’t include his start against the Dominican Republic National Team. Over 8.1 innings, he’s given up just five hits with no walks and 11 strikeouts.
Nick Anderson
Anderson had one outing where he surrendered a couple of runs, but outside of that, he’s been dominant, striking out ten over five innings.
Ehire Adrianza
Adrianza is making a case to be on the Opening Day roster. He’s hitting .381 this Spring, with 10 RBIs in just 21 at-bats.
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Photo: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
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