It won’t be long before the Atlanta Braves head down to North Port, Florida for spring training. With that trip comes the announcement of the team roster for pre-season action.
Most of Atlanta’s roster can be projected as the Braves have a great core built already with few spots that are likely to change at all. However, there are still a few areas that lack clarity, and spring training should help alleviate that.
Braves insider Mark Bowman recently released his “way-too-early” Opening Day roster projection. A quick glance at the roster presented and it drums up a bit of concern. It’s a mixed bag. Atlanta showcases a strong infield and decent outfield. The starting rotation and bullpen look good but both could use a couple of additions to set them over the top. Overall, the Braves have a good skeleton of roster to work with ahead of 2025.
However, an interesting bit of information was dropped by Bowman in his section covering Atlanta’s infield projection. He has the Braves featuring five infielders (Matt Olson, Ozzie Albies, Orlando Arcia, Austin Riley, Miguel Cairo) on Opening Day.
Braves’ infield depth depth uncertain especially with Whit Merrifield unlikely to return as he could retire this offseason
Cairo is the son of former MLB infielder Miguel Cairo and was selected by the Braves in this year’s Rule 5 Draft. He has to remain on the 26-man roster if the team wants to keep him. Cairo isn’t the best hitter as indicated by his .680 OPS over 108 games in 2024. However, he is known for being a good defender and has some speed. These are great traits for a utility man to have.
Bowman mentioned he thinks Eli White or Nick Allen would also be great in this role. So, there are options for Atlanta to consider.
The most interesting nugget dropped by Bowman touched on Whit Merrifield. Merrifield was a great addition to the Braves roster last season when Ozzie Albies was injured. He was a perfect fit in the clubhouse and provided the team with exactly what they needed once he got over his ill-timed injury as soon as he arrived in Atlanta.
Whit Merrifield has his second career five-hit game! pic.twitter.com/73T6a75miB
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) August 27, 2024
Atlanta’s insider stated a source indicated Merrifield may opt to retire from baseball and spend more time with his family. The 35-year-old has enjoyed a decent MLB career over nine seasons with a career .280/.328/.413 line with 94 homers, 256 doubles, 485 RBI, and a 101 OPS+.
He would have been a welcome addition to Atlanta’s bench in 2025 with the experience he provides, but that may not be in the cards anymore. While his Braves career was short, he made it worthwhile for fans.
