2025 Spring Demotions: Bryce Elder, Michael McGreevy Moved Down

It’s getting down to the wire for many MLB teams, as rosters are beginning to get finalized for 2025 Opening Day. Several teams made notable demotions on March 23. The Cardinals demoted former first-round pick Michael McGreevy, while a former All-Star was optioned back to Triple-A yet again.

Elder doesn’t make Braves rotation

The Atlanta Braves optioned Bryce Elder to Triple-A Gwinnett on March 23. It’s the fourth time Elder has been optioned in his career, a rarity among MLB players. However, since Elder spent less than five years combined between the Majors & Minors, the Braves get an additional option.

Elder didn’t have an outstanding spring. The 25-year-old Elder posted a 4.97 ERA and struck out 12 over 12 frames.

Like Elder, Ian Anderson didn’t make the Braves’ rotation, either. Anderson was dealt to the Angels on March 23.

AJ Smith-Shawver and Grant Holmes, two other candidates for the Braves rotation, are still on the roster.

McGreevy to start in Memphis

Former first-round pick Michael McGreevy got his push for a 2025 rotation spot off right in September, as he posted a 1.96 ERA across four starts, along with a low 4.6% Barrel%. But despite those numbers and a strong camp, the 24-year-old will start 2025 with Memphis (AAA).

McGreevy was demoted to the Redbirds along with Jose Fermin, as Matthew Liberatore is expected to start in the Cardinals’ rotation.

It’s an understandable move, as Liberatore, acquired as the headliner in the Randy Arozarena trade five years ago, has yet to succeed in a starting role. He carved out a spot in the St. Louis bullpen last season. But with the Cardinals in the midst of a retool, Liberatore will get another crack.

The 24-year-old McGreevy is a heavy sinkerballer who induced a lot of weakly hit baseballs last season. During his brief stay with the Cardinals, over 44% of the hit baseballs off McGreevy were considered toppers.

Other notable demotions

Rockies outfielder Zac Veen saw a lot of time in Cactus League action, as he played in 26 games & hit .279/.353/.475 (.828 OPS) with two home runs and seven extra-base hits. Veen will begin the year in Triple-A, though, as Colorado selected the contract of ex-Red Nick Martini.

Martini hit .389 with a 1.067 OPS across 16 games this spring.

Former first-round pick Quinn Priester was a late cut by the Red Sox, as he was sent down to Worcester (AAA). Priester struck out nine over 9.1 IP. Opposing batters hit .359 off the right-hander, acquired last year for Nick Yorke.

Sean Hjelle (Giants) and Nick Pratto (Royals) were optioned to Triple-A by their respective teams.