In a few days, Major League Baseball’s Winter Meetings will take place, which is when everyone expects the action to begin. It all starts with the signing of Juan Soto; once that domino falls, chaos should follow, and the Braves should be right in the middle of it.

Rotation

1. Chris Sale
2. Reynaldo Lopez
3. Spencer Schwellenbach
4. AJ Smith-Shawver
5. Bryce Elder

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Injured List

• Spencer Strider

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The current construct of the Braves roster is exactly why most reports this offseason have suggested the Braves will be targeting starting pitching. The top three are fantastic, but with Spencer Strider expected to miss at least the first month of the season, at least one more proven starter must be added to this group.

Catcher

1. Sean Murphy
2. Chadwick Tromp

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With Travis d’Arnaud joining the Los Angeles Angels, it opens up an opportunity for Sean Murphy to start a bulk of the games, which is when he has been the most successful over his career. Top prospect Drake Baldwin is waiting in the wings, but I don’t see him beginning the season in Atlanta as a backup catcher. He needs as many reps as possible on the farm.

Infield

1. Orlando Arcia
2. Austin Riley
3. Ozzie Albies
4. Matt Olson
5. Nick Allen

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While the Braves would love to upgrade at shortstop, it feels most likely that Orlando Arcia will be the starter again on Opening Day in 2025. However, it’s reasonable to expect the Braves will try to bring in some worthwhile completion for him that can also serve as a super-utility player.

Outfield

1. Jarred Kelenic
2. Michael Harris II
3. Eli White
4. Luke Williams
5. Carlos D. Rodriguez

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Injured List

• Ronald Acuña Jr.

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The Braves current roster outlook in the outfield without Ronald Acuña Jr., who is expected to miss at least six weeks to start the season, is painful to look at. It’s just as pressing of a need as the rotation. The Braves have to add multiple bodies before the start of the season, including one proven starter.

Designated Hitter

1. Marcell Ozuna

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Nothing to see here.

Bullpen

1. Raisel Iglesias
2. Pierce Johnson
3. Aaron Bummer
4. Daysbel Hernandez
5. Dylan Lee
6. Grant Holmes
7. Connor Gillispie
8. Ian Anderson

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Injured List

• Joe Jiménez

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The injury news for the Braves to this point in the offseason has been diabolical, much like it was the entire 2024 campaign. With Joe Jiménez expected to miss most, if not all, of the season, the need for another high-leverage bullpen arm is pressing. Re-signing A.J. Minter is now a lot more enticing if he’s healthy after season-ending hip surgery.