{"id":155405,"date":"2026-02-23T02:53:01","date_gmt":"2026-02-23T02:53:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=155405"},"modified":"2026-02-23T02:53:01","modified_gmt":"2026-02-23T02:53:01","slug":"update-spring-training-hasnt-even-started-yet-but-the-roster-battle-in-atlanta-may-already-be-decided-for-some-these-4-braves-players-could-be-running-out-of-time-before-camp-even-opens-t","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=155405","title":{"rendered":"UPDATE: Spring Training hasn\u2019t even started yet, but the roster battle in Atlanta may already be decided for some. These 4 Braves players could be running out of time before camp even opens. The numbers game is about to get ruthless."},"content":{"rendered":"

4 Atlanta Braves Players Who Face Long Odds of Making the Opening Day Roster<\/strong><\/p>\n

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No matter how impressive these Atlanta Braves players look in spring training, it\u2019s difficult to envision them cracking the team\u2019s Opening Day roster. Despite a productive offseason that addressed key weaknesses from 2025, roster math \u2014 and a few unfortunate injuries \u2014 have created a complicated situation heading into the regular season.<\/p>\n

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<\/span><\/span> and Hurston Waldrep<\/span><\/span> \u2014 both dealing with elbow injuries expected to sideline them well into the first half \u2014 have shifted the conversation toward rotation depth.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s Opening Day squad. Here are four Braves players who would likely need more than just a strong spring performance to earn a roster spot.<\/p>\n

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RHP Carlos Carrasco<\/h2>\n

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Veteran right-hander Carlos Carrasco<\/span><\/span> may seem like an obvious rotation insurance candidate given Atlanta\u2019s current injury concerns. But recent performance trends make his path to the majors extremely narrow.<\/p>\n

Carrasco struggled mightily in 2025, posting a 7.09 ERA across 11 appearances (nine starts). While he briefly pitched for the Atlanta Braves<\/span><\/span>, the results were even more alarming. In three outings with Atlanta, Carrasco surrendered 15 earned runs in just 13.2 innings \u2014 a 9.88 ERA that ultimately led to the Braves designating him for assignment before releasing him.<\/p>\n

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

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.<\/p>\n

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OF Ben Gamel<\/h2>\n

Outfielder Ben Gamel<\/span><\/span> 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\u2019 crowded outfield makes his roster path nearly impossible.<\/p>\n

Atlanta\u2019s projected outfield depth includes:<\/p>\n