Braves: MLB.com’s Predictions for 2021 Opening Day Roster

It’s never too early to start speculating on the Atlanta Braves potential Opening Day roster for next year. MLB.com gives us their predictions.

We’re less than 100 days away from spring training for the Atlanta Braves, so it’s definitely time to start thinking about what the roster could look like.

MLB.com recently ranked every team’s roster right now, which was not a good look for the Braves. And Mark Bowman gave his predictions for what the 2021 Opening Day roster would look like.

I’ll likely give my early predictions for the 2021 roster next week once we get past all the awards announcements — as I’m hoping for some very exciting news on that front this week!

But let’s go ahead and look at what Bowman is predicting.

At catcher, he thinks Tyler Flowers is coming back. I know there is a lovefest from the front office and coaching staff for Flowers, but I can’t take another season of him.

I think it’s just time to move on and let one  of the young guys backup TDA. Maybe make Nick Markakis and Flowers coaches if you want to keep them around that badly.

First base, second base, and shortstop are obviously locked up. He does think Riley starts the season at third, but also notes they could move him to left if they find a third baseman this offseason.

That’s something I haven’t really considered. If Ozuna doesn’t work out and you’re still looking for that big bat, it doesn’t have to be an outfielder. You could look at third as well and put Riley in left where he’s an average defender.

Bowman thinks the Braves sign Freddy Galvis as a utility guy, essentially replacing Hechavarría and/or Culberson.

I think we saw how with a DH this utility spot is really insignificant. Hech or Culberson hardly got any playing time during the season. Sure, that spot will get more use over a full schedule, but not a ton.

He has Ozuna back IF the DH is brought back for 2021, and he’s assuming it will be.

That leaves a starting outfield of Acuna, Pache, and Duvall. I still think you need a platoon partner for Duvall — like this guy.

The only free agent starting pitcher Bowman has the Braves signing is Jon Lester. I wrote about him here.

That’s a bit underwhelming for me, but if you’re assuming a healthy Mike Soroka and Max Fried atop the rotation with Ian Anderson behind them, I still think our pitching is good enough to win.

Maybe the most surprising prediction for me was that the only bullpen arm he has the Braves signing this offseason is Darren O’Day. I think they certainly try to bring back Mark Melancon.

I get that the bullpen is probably still your best strength and getting a big offensive piece and rotation veteran is far more important, but bullpens are finicky and I’d still look to improve it as well this offseason if they can.

Not much surprising or crazy there from Bowman — it’s pretty much what we’ve already heard. What are your thoughts on this being the Braves’ Opening Day lineup for 2021? Is it enough?