Atlanta Braves: Who is going to fill out the bench?

Atlanta Braves pitchers and catchers report in a month and there are still plenty of questions about the 26-man roster.

While we all wait on Josh Donaldson and his hopeful signing with the Atlanta Braves, there is really only one other aspect of the roster that needs to be addressed, which is the bench.

The Braves could add another arm to the rotation or maybe add a corner outfielder, but those would be more wants than needs.

The lineup is set with Freddie Freeman, Ozzie Albies, Dansby Swanson and a third basemen, Travis d’Arnaud, Nick Markakis/Adam Duvall, Ender Inciarte and Ronald Acuna Jr.

In the rotation, there is Mike Soroka, Max Fried, Mike Foltynewicz, Cole Hamels and either Sean Newcomb, Kyle Wright or Bryse Wilson.

The bullpen has Will Smith, Shane Greene, Chris Martin, Mark Melancon, Darren O’Day, Luke Jackson, Jacob Webb, and the odd youngster out in the rotation.

Right now, it seems like three players are locks to make the bench: Tyler Flowers, Johan Camargo, and Nick Markakis/Adam Duvall.

Last season, when the rosters were 25-man, the Braves often carried an additional bullpen piece rather than a fifth bench piece. So with the addition of an extra man, it seems likely they will add to the bench.

There are still plenty of free agents available to fill the two open spots, some of which played in Atlanta last season. There are also some internal options that could fill the spots.

Depth is such a critical aspect to a roster and with the three players already locked into the bench, the Braves are well on their way to having one of the deepest rosters in baseball.

Let’s first look at players who were with the Braves last season, as well as already on the 40-man roster that could make the club in the spring.