MLB team reports:
In-depth looks at the Braves, Brewers, Dodgers and Twins.
Five issues facing the Braves:
Who’s closing? Atlanta signed Will Smith to a three-year, $39 million deal this winter, but he might not be the man getting most of the reps in the ninth inning with Mark Melancon making $14 million. Manager Brian Snitker can try to mix and match but considering the longer-term investment in Smith, at what point does the lefty – who took Melancon’s job in San Francisco – become the full-time closer?
Considering Atlanta’s bullpen struggles the past two seasons, it’s going to be an interesting dynamic in the early part of 2020.
Mike Soroka: The 22-year-old anchored the staff with a 2.68 ERA as a rookie, but there has to be some concern that he could have a sophomore slump. Of course, Soroka was one of the top prospects in baseball and could just as well take another step forward. He led the NL in fewest home runs allowed per nine innings (0.7) in 2019, a great sign considering the league’s record-setting power output in 2019. There’s a lot riding on his young right arm as the Braves look to get back to the postseason for a third consecutive season.
Outfield questions: The signing of Marcell Ozuna pushed Ronald Acuna Jr. back to center, Nick Markakis to right and Ender Inciarte to the bench, but there are some concerns here. Markakis played only 116 games last season and Inciarte was limited to 65. Top prospects Cristian Pache and Drew Waters are almost ready for the majors, so it’s worth keeping an eye on how long of a leash the Braves give the veteran Markakis.
Speaking of Atlanta’s prized prospects, Pache and Waters are both expected to start the season at Class AAA and their early performances could mean a race to the majors.
Full season of Folty: An All-Star in 2018, right-hander Mike Foltynewicz struggled early last year dealing with an elbow injury, but he pitched like an ace down the stretch (6-1, 2.65 ERA in 10 starts) after a demotion. His season ended on an ugly note – seven runs in onethird of an inning in NLDS Game 5. Will there be any lingering effects from the roller-coaster season he endured?
Depth issues: There’s some position
al versatility on the bench – which is watered down by several players expected to fill the hole at third – but the Braves would be absolutely devastated by an injury to any of their stars. Atlanta has veterans
in reserve, but nobody besides Inciarte is really qualified to be an everyday player if the need were to arise. There’s still time until the season begins, but the Braves would be well-served adding a few platoon specialists to the roster.