4 Atlanta Braves Players Who Face Long Odds of Making the Opening Day Roster

No matter how impressive these Atlanta Braves players look in spring training, it’s difficult to envision them cracking the team’s Opening Day roster. Despite a productive offseason that addressed key weaknesses from 2025, roster math — and a few unfortunate injuries — have created a complicated situation heading into the regular season.

The Braves strengthened their bullpen and bench depth over the winter, correcting two glaring issues that plagued them last year. However, early spring setbacks to promising arms like Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep — both dealing with elbow injuries expected to sideline them well into the first half — have shifted the conversation toward rotation depth.

Injuries often create opportunity in Major League Baseball. But even with openings potentially available, several non-roster invitees and depth pieces still face an uphill battle to make Atlanta’s Opening Day squad. Here are four Braves players who would likely need more than just a strong spring performance to earn a roster spot.

RHP Carlos Carrasco

Veteran right-hander Carlos Carrasco may seem like an obvious rotation insurance candidate given Atlanta’s current injury concerns. But recent performance trends make his path to the majors extremely narrow.

Carrasco struggled mightily in 2025, posting a 7.09 ERA across 11 appearances (nine starts). While he briefly pitched for the Atlanta Braves, the results were even more alarming. In three outings with Atlanta, Carrasco surrendered 15 earned runs in just 13.2 innings — a 9.88 ERA that ultimately led to the Braves designating him for assignment before releasing him.

Although Atlanta re-signed him to a minor league contract this offseason, the depth chart works against him. Pitchers like Bryce Elder, Martin Perez, Jose Suarez, and even young arm Didier Fuentes appear to be ahead of Carrasco in the pecking order.

Even if Carrasco delivers a solid spring training showing, Atlanta may prefer younger or more stable options with greater long-term upside. For a Braves team with postseason aspirations, rolling the dice on a veteran coming off consecutive rough seasons feels unlikely.

OF Ben Gamel

Outfielder Ben Gamel has carved out a respectable MLB career, appearing for eight different teams across parts of nine seasons. However, his 2025 campaign consisted entirely of minor league appearances, and the Braves’ crowded outfield makes his roster path nearly impossible.

Atlanta’s projected outfield depth includes:

• Jurickson Profar (LF/DH)

• Mike Yastrzemski (LF/CF/RF)

• Michael Harris II (CF)

• Ronald Acuña Jr. (RF)

• Eli White (LF/CF/RF)

With five outfield-capable players essentially locked into roster spots, there is no obvious vacancy. Carrying a sixth outfielder would be a luxury Atlanta likely cannot afford, especially given bullpen and bench flexibility needs.

Unless multiple injuries occur, Gamel’s opportunity for consistent playing time simply doesn’t exist. Even an outstanding spring may not be enough to overcome roster construction realities.

RHP Jhancarlos Lara

Right-handed prospect Jhancarlos Lara remains one of the more intriguing arms in the Braves’ farm system. His raw stuff is undeniable. In 2025, split between Double-A and Triple-A, Lara struck out 104 batters in 68.2 innings. Over his minor league career, he has averaged 12.0 strikeouts per nine innings — a dominant rate that highlights his electric arsenal.

However, command issues have consistently held him back.

In those same 68.2 innings last season, Lara walked 65 batters, equating to 8.5 walks per nine innings. For his minor league career, he owns a 6.6 BB/9 rate — a number far too high for a team in win-now mode to overlook.

Even if Lara shows improved command during spring training, Atlanta will likely want to see sustained control before entrusting him with a bullpen role. The Braves are built to contend immediately, and reliability matters.

That said, if Lara can rein in his command issues, his strikeout potential could eventually make him a dangerous late-inning weapon. Opening Day, however, feels premature.

1B Dominic Smith

First baseman Dominic Smith signed a minor league deal with Atlanta to provide depth at the position. The former top prospect enjoyed a strong 2025 season with the San Francisco Giants, making it somewhat surprising he didn’t land a clearer MLB opportunity elsewhere.

The issue in Atlanta is straightforward: Matt Olson.

Olson is not only one of baseball’s premier first basemen but also one of its most durable players. Since being acquired by Atlanta, he has played 162 games in each of the last four seasons and hasn’t missed a single contest since the 2021 offseason trade.

Here’s Olson’s recent durability record:

• 2021: 156 games

• 2022: 162 games

• 2023: 162 games

• 2024: 162 games

• 2025: 162 games

Given that track record, first base simply isn’t available. The designated hitter role is expected to feature Jurickson Profar early in the year, further limiting Smith’s chances.

Could Smith serve as a bench bat? Theoretically, yes. But roster spots are precious. Atlanta may prefer a more versatile option capable of covering multiple defensive positions rather than a player whose primary value is tied to first base.

Even if Smith impresses during spring training, consistent at-bats would be difficult to promise.

Braves Roster Outlook: Talent vs. Opportunity

Spring training performances often generate buzz, but roster decisions are about more than statistics in March. For the Braves, the bigger picture revolves around depth alignment, positional flexibility, financial considerations, and long-term planning.

Despite injuries to Schwellenbach and Waldrep, Atlanta still possesses multiple rotation options ahead of Carrasco. The outfield depth blocks Gamel’s path. Lara needs refinement before earning trust. Smith faces perhaps the toughest obstacle of all: one of baseball’s most dependable everyday players.

The Braves enter the season as contenders in the National League. That reality reduces their appetite for experimentation. Players competing for Opening Day spots must not only perform well — they must also fill a clear organizational need.

For these four players, the challenge isn’t talent alone. It’s timing, fit, and opportunity. And barring unexpected developments, those factors make cracking Atlanta’s Opening Day roster a steep climb.