Just my thoughts on the roster for next year
Rotation: Set at four spots with Fried, Wright, Morton, and Strider. Big question with those four is if Fried gets extended before Opening Day. So what about the other spot. I know many Braves fans are wishing for deGrom, but I’m not comfortable throwing that kind of money at someone who as talented as he is, has been hurt for a good part of the last couple of years. Also, what about Ian Anderson and Mike Soroka? Was this bad year just an abbreviation for Anderson? Soroka hasn’t thrown a pitch in the majors in over two years. Have to wonder what he has now.
Bullpen: Every year, every team has changed in their relief unit. Braves will be no different. Iglesias, Minter, McHugh all solid years to return. Hopefully get a healthy year out of Yates. Jackson possibly mid season. Losing Matsek hurts. A free agent or two will be signed. I don’t think it will happen, but will the Braves entertain the thought of bringing Jansen back? I personally don’t see it, but never know.
Catching: No big change here with TDA and Contreras back. Wonder if we might see William behind the plate a bit more.
Infield: Set for the next several years at the corners. Losing Albies much of the season hurt. Hopefully he’ll have a heathy year upcoming. Elephant in the room, of course, is Swanson. Compared to what Turner, Correa, and if he opts out, Bogarts get, Swanson will have the least costly deal and I hope the Braves bring him back. A lot would say give Grissom the job at SS and let Dansby leave, but we’d lose some on offense, and especially on defense doing that. Probably see a cheap free agent for utility. Good chance Arica might get a minor league deal with an invite to spring training.
Outfield: Obviously set in center and right with Harris and Acuna. As for left field…….Ozuna does not need to be a part of the team next year. He’s been a disappointment with the bat since signing his deal and we can’t depend on him to stay out of trouble off the field. So who goes there? How about Grissom? It was talked about late in the season and I think Grissom’s best chance of everyday play, unless Swanson leaves and no SS is signed, I’d moving to LF. Left handed bench bat is covered with Rosario signed for next year. Will need to get a right handed bat. Wouldn’t be surprised I’d either Duvall or Grossman are brought back on a one year deal.