Braves March Recap ⚾️

RECENT MOVES

Anderson-Suarez Trade

The Braves traded RHP Ian Anderson to the Angels for left-hander José Suarez on Sunday. Anderson, a former No. 3 overall pick and 2021 World Series contributor, gives the Angels upside. This move also clears a path for AJ Smith-Shawver in the rotation, a young arm with just six career starts but significant prospect pedigree.

Roster Adjustments

• Bryce Elder: Optioned to Triple-A

• Craig Kimbrel, James McCann, Jesse Chavez: Reassigned

The Kimbrel reassignment is particularly interesting as the Braves' 2010 NL Rookie of the Year winner could potentially join the bullpen later this season after struggling as the Orioles' closer in 2024.

STRIDER UPDATE

Spencer Strider continued his comeback from elbow surgery against the Orioles on Sunday. While not as dominant as his previous outing this appearance marked important progress.

"It's probably a good thing I didn't pitch like I did the other day," Strider noted. "It wasn't as easy."

After suffering an elbow injury in April 2024 that led to Tommy John surgery. He was the unquestioned ace of the staff before his injury and one of baseball's most dominant pitchers. We’re excited for his (hopeful) return in April.

2024 STRUGGLES, 2025 OUTLOOK

The Braves are ready to bounce back after a challenging 2024 where they went 89-73 and finished tied for second in the NL East, ending their streak of six consecutive division titles.

Key players underperformed in 2024:

• Ozzie Albies: Career-low 32% hard hit rate while battling injuries

• Austin Riley: Personal-worst .783 OPS

• Matt Olson: Home runs dropped from 54 in 2023 to just 29

• Sean Murphy: Career-high 32% swing and miss rate

The bright spot was Marcell Ozuna, who finished in the top five in all Triple Crown categories with a career-best 154 OPS+.

The infield remains largely unchanged for 2025, with the Braves banking on returns to form from Albies, Riley, and Olson.

FanGraphs projects the Braves to finish 89-73 again in 2025, but this time atop the challenging NL East.

PROJECTED OPENING DAY ROSTER

Based on the latest team updates:

Catchers: Drake Baldwin, Chadwick Tromp Sean Murphy expected to start season on IL with cracked rib; Baldwin, the team's top prospect, gets his chance to shine

Infield: Matt Olson (1B), Ozzie Albies (2B), Orlando Arcia (SS), Austin Riley (3B), Nick Allen (Utility)

Outfield/DH: Michael Harris II, Jurickson Profar, Jarred Kelenic, Bryan De La Cruz, Marcell Ozuna (DH), Eli White (Utility) Acuña expected to return from ACL tear within first two months

Starting Rotation: Chris Sale, Reynaldo López, Spencer Schwellenbach, Grant Holmes, AJ Smith-Shawver

Spencer Strider targeting late April return

Bullpen: Raisel Iglesias, Pierce Johnson, Dylan Lee, Aaron Bummer, Daysbel Hernández, Buck Farmer, Héctor Neris, Enyel De Los Santos

NL EAST COMPETITION HEATS UP

The National League East looks more competitive than ever in 2025:

• The Mets added Juan Soto to their lineup

• The Phillies retooled their roster

• The Braves need their stars back healthy to compete

If Strider and Acuña return to form and the team rebounds from 2024 slumps, the Braves have the talent for a deep postseason run. The outfield additions of Profar and eventually Alex Verdugo should provide more power than Kelenic's career .663 OPS.

Harris remains a defensive star in center field who barely missed out on a Gold Glove, has 20/20 potential this season.

TICKETS

Want great seats to see the Braves?

Simply reply to this email and the Dugout Seat team will help secure your tickets! Subscriber-exclusive seating options available. Because unlike MLB network, we actually want you to see the game…

Time to request that PTO ⬇️

Dugout Seat is your premier source for Atlanta Braves insights. Questions or comments? Just hit reply - we read every message!

Make sure to follow us on Instagram @dugoutseat to vote on newsletter topics and get the latest updates.