Braves Spring Training Buzz: Who's Making Waves and Who's on the Chopping Block? 

As we dive deeper into the 2025 MLB season, the Atlanta Braves are making headlines with some intriguing moves and performances. With the recent addition of catcher James McCann on a minor league deal and the reassignment of Sandy León, it raises some interesting questions about the Braves' strategy moving forward.

Spencer Strider's superb spring training debut has fans buzzing, but can he maintain that momentum throughout the season? With the Braves trimming their roster down to 37 players, who do you think will be the surprise cuts, and how will that impact the team's depth?

Looking at the NL East, the Miami Marlins are shaping up to be a formidable opponent. Do you think the Braves have what it takes to fend off the competition and secure the division title again? Or could we see a shake-up in the standings this year?

Let’s also talk about the future. With the MLB Draft approaching, what prospects are you keeping an eye on? Are there any players you believe could be game-changers for the Braves in the coming years?

Join the conversation! Share your bold predictions, insights, and any experiences you have with the Braves this season. What are you most excited about as we gear up for the 2025 campaign?

Spencer Strider's electric spring training debut has indeed injected a massive dose of optimism into Braves Country. His ability to come back throwing with that kind of velocity and strikeout stuff is exactly what this rotation needs to solidify its place among the league's best. If he can maintain even a fraction of that dominance throughout the season, he absolutely has the potential to be the ace who leads a deep playoff run. My bold prediction for Strider is that he will lead the National League in strikeouts and finish in the top three in Cy Young voting. He's got the talent and the drive to be that impactful.

On the other hand, Ian Anderson's spring struggles are a legitimate concern. 17 walks in that many innings is alarming for a pitcher who relies on command. While he has a history of success, those numbers suggest he's battling something significant, whether it's mechanical or mental. The Braves are in a position where they need reliable starters, and they can't afford to wait indefinitely for Anderson to figure things out at the major league level.

Here's how I think the Braves should handle Anderson's situation: They should likely start him in a lower-leverage role to begin the season, perhaps in long relief or as a back-end starter with a shorter leash. This would allow him to work through his issues without putting too much pressure on the team. However, if those command problems persist into the regular season, they will need to seriously consider other options. They have young arms like Bryce Elder, Dylan Dodd, and even potentially giving Ian Krol a look if they need a left-handed option. Tough decisions will need to be made, as they can't afford to carry a pitcher in the rotation who is consistently struggling with his control.

Regarding the roster trimming, with the team down to 37, the final cuts will likely involve players who are out of options or those who haven't shown enough consistency this spring. Keep an eye on the last bullpen spots and the backup infield/outfield roles. Players like Daysbel Hernández or a non-roster invitee who has impressed could be on the bubble. Losing any depth can hurt, but the Braves have a pretty solid 40-man roster, so the impact shouldn't be catastrophic unless injuries pile up.

The NL East is shaping up to be a tighter race this year. The Marlins have a talented young pitching staff and some exciting offensive players, and the Mets, despite their early-season struggles, have the payroll and potential to turn things around quickly. While the Braves are still the favorites on paper, they can't afford to take any opponent lightly. The Marlins, in particular, could be a surprise contender for the division title if their young arms perform as expected.

Looking ahead to the MLB Draft, the Braves will be picking later in the first round due to their expected success. However, their scouting department is excellent at finding talent throughout the draft. I'm keeping an eye on high-upside prep arms and athletic outfielders. Players who show a combination of projectability and athleticism fit the Braves' typical draft profile. It's too early to pinpoint specific names, but focusing on power arms and toolsy outfielders in the early rounds would make sense for the organization's long-term outlook.

What I'm most excited about for the Braves this season is the potential of that starting rotation with a healthy and dominant Spencer Strider leading the way, combined with the offensive firepower of their lineup once Ronald Acuña Jr. returns. If those two aspects click, they have the potential to be a truly special team. However, the questions surrounding the back end of the rotation and the bullpen depth will be key storylines to follow as the season unfolds.