Imagine being on the cusp of making it to the big leagues, only to have the odds stacked against you before Spring Training even starts. That’s the harsh reality for four Atlanta Braves players this season. Despite the team’s strong offseason moves—bolstering their bullpen and bench after a lackluster 2025—injuries to key pitchers like Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep have cast a shadow over the spring. But here’s where it gets controversial: even with these injuries creating opportunities, some players just can’t seem to catch a break. Let’s dive into why these four players’ roster chances are looking bleak, no matter how hard they fight in Spring Training.
RHP Carlos Carrasco: With the Braves’ current pitching woes, you’d think Carrasco might have a shot. But his recent struggles are hard to ignore. Last season, he posted a staggering 7.09 ERA across 11 appearances, including a disastrous 9.88 ERA in three games with Atlanta. The Braves released him mid-season, only to re-sign him to a minor league deal later. And this is the part most people miss: even with injuries, Carrasco is likely behind Bryce Elder, Martin Perez, Jose Suarez, and Didier Fuentes in the depth chart. Can he defy the odds? Unlikely.
OF Ben Gamel: Gamel is no stranger to the big leagues, having played for eight teams over nine seasons. But last year, all 52 of his games were in the minors. The Braves’ outfield is stacked—Jurickson Profar, Mike Yastrzemski, Michael Harris II, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Eli White are all locks. The question is: Why would the Braves carry a sixth outfielder? Unless multiple injuries strike, Gamel’s chances are slim to none.
RHP Jhancarlos Lara: Lara’s electric stuff—104 strikeouts in 68.2 innings in 2025—makes him an intriguing prospect. But his command issues are a red flag. He walked 65 batters in those same innings, a trend that’s persisted throughout his minor league career. Here’s the kicker: Even if he shows improvement this spring, the Braves are in win-now mode. Can Lara prove he’s consistent enough for the big leagues? It’s a long shot, but if he does, he could be a game-changer in relief.
1B Dominic Smith: Smith, a former Mets top prospect, had a solid 2025 with the Giants. But signing a minor league deal with the Braves feels like a missed opportunity. Why? Because Matt Olson is an ironman at first base—he hasn’t missed a game since 2021. The harsh truth: Unless Olson gets injured (knock on wood), Smith’s playing time is virtually nonexistent. Even as a DH or bench bat, his path to the roster is blocked by the likes of Jurickson Profar and Mauricio Dubon.
Thought-provoking question for you: Are the Braves being too cautious with their roster decisions, or are they rightfully prioritizing proven talent over unproven potential? Let us know in the comments—this debate is far from over.
