Who makes the Atlanta Braves postseason roster?
The Atlanta Braves clinching a playoff bid is a near formality as the magic number to win the NL East is down to eight games. So now is the time to begin speculating at what the postseason roster might look like.
Atlanta Braves General Manager Alex Anthopoulos has done a tremendous job of adding depth to the organization throughout the season to help offset either a talent deficiency (bullpen) or an onslaught of injuries (lineup).
Whether it was a significant trade like Shane Greene or an under the radar signing like Adeiny Hechavarria, the roster has a multitude of options for the postseason and the selections will sure come with scrutiny.
By my count, there are 20 players who are locked for the postseason roster in some capacity:
The position players are: Ronald Acuna, Nick Markakis, Matt Joyce, Freddie Freeman, Ozzie Albies, Dansby Swanson, Josh Donaldson, Brian McCann, Tyler Flowers, and Charlie Culberson
The pitchers are: Dallas Keuchel, Mike Soroka, Max Fried, Julio Teheran, Mike Foltynewicz, Mark Melancon, Chris Martin, Shane Greene, Sean Newcomb, and Luke Jackson.
That leaves 12 players for five spots.
The following eight position players have a shot at making the roster: Francisco Cervelli, Johan Camargo, Adeiny Hechavarria, Billy Hamilton, Rafael Ortega, Adam Duvall, Austin Riley, and perhaps Ender Inciarte.
The four pitchers that will be in the mix for a spot are Jerry Blevins, Darren O’Day, Josh Tomlin, and Anthony Swarzak.
Performance and health over the next two weeks will certainly play a significant part in the selection of the roster and some might have already been eliminated.
Let’s take an in-depth look at each player and ultimately the postseason roster prediction.