The toughest division in baseball is the National League East as it is the home of three World Series contenders — Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets, and Atlanta Braves — and a pesky young team in the Washington Nationals.
Projecting the division winner for the NL East during Spring Training is downright impossible. FanDuel currently has the odds as follows:
- Braves +135
- Phillies +180
- Mets +210
By the time any of that comes into fruition, a team’s roster will have gone through multiple iterations, but a hot start can go a long way, so selecting the right 26 to begin the season is crucial.
Atlanta Braves Opening Roster Projection
The most important thing to note for Atlanta is injuries. Unanimous 2023 NL MVP Ronald Acuna Jr. will start the season on the IL as he recovers from a torn ACL. Cy Young candidate and strikeout savant Spencer Strider will also start the season on the IL as he recovers from Tommy John. Both should be back sooner rather than later.
The Braves knew about these two injuries and their returns this offseason, allowing them to build their roster with that in mind. Unfortunately, one of their best relievers from last season, Joe Jimenez is set to miss all of 2025 after offseason knee surgery and catcher Sean Murphy will be out for some time with a cracked rib.
With those in mind, here is a projected depth chart for the Atlanta Braves to begin the 2025 season.
Starting Pitchers
Chris Sale, Reynaldo Lopez, Spencer Schwellenbach, Ian Anderson, Grant Holmes
Bullpen
Raisel Iglesias, Dylan Lee, Pierce Johnson, Angel Perdomo, Buck Farmer, Enyel De Los Santos, Aaron Bummer, Daysbel Hernandez
Catcher
Drake Baldwin (R), Chadwick Tromp
Infield
Matt Olson, Ozzie Albies, Austin Riley, Orlando Arcia, Nick Allen, Eli White
Outfield
Michael Harris II, Jurickson Profar, Jarred Kelenic, Bryan De La Cruz
Designated Hitter
Marcell Ozuna
In years past, Atlanta would open on Thursday and have Friday off, allowing roster flexibility when it came to how many starters to carry on the initial roster. In 2025, Atlanta will have to carry five starters as they do not get the same break.
This roster breakdown is an even 13-13 as the MLB allows a maximum of 13 pitchers on the 26-man roster. Ian Anderson and Grant Holmes should beat out Bryce Elder and AJ Smith-Shawver for the final two spots in the rotation, but each of them will be competing to hang onto their spot upon the return of Spencer Strider.
Atlanta is hopeful to have their big free agent signing, Jurickson Profar, available for Opening Day after injuring his left wrist, diving for a ball in the outfield. Kelenic and De La Cruz will likely platoon as placeholders until Ronald Acuna Jr. makes his return atop the lineup. Eli White and Nick Allen will serve as the super utility men, both able to play several positions on the field. The Braves could opt to bring Garrett Cooper on the roster in place of one of those two.