The 2024 Braves roster is as close to perfect as possible. The rotation features a four-headed monster at the top, and the battle for the final spot has at least four worthwhile candidates. The depth, in particular, should have everyone excited for what’s to come, and the bullpen is also far deeper than it has ever been before in recent seasons.
Of course, we all know about the Braves lineup. The group is coming off a historically great offensive barrage, becoming the first team ever to slug over .500 as a team and tying the MLB record for the most home runs in a single season with 307. They bring seven of their eight starters from a year ago back, and Jarred Kelenic just might be an upgrade over Eddie Rosario and Kevin Pillar in left field.
There are next to no holes on the entire roster, but if there’s one area that could stand to improve it’s the bench, particularly in the outfield. A fourth outfielder with starting experience in case Jarred Kelenic begins to struggle or an injury arises seems like a must, but perhaps the Braves have faith in their internal candidates, particularly Forrest Wall, who has made a statement early on in Spring Training.
In 13 plate appearances, Wall already has six hits, three of which left the yard, but the hit tool isn’t even his most impressive attribute. Over his last 210 games at the AAA level, he’s swiped 104 bags. Alex Anthopoulos said earlier in the offseason speed could be what decides the final spot on the Braves bench, and if that’s the case, it’s difficult to imagine an Opening Day roster without Forrest Wall on it.
“It’s not just necessarily going to be who are the best players, it’s who’s the best fit,” Anthopoulos said, via David O’Brien of The Athletic. “The same way that (infielders Vaughn) Grissom and (Braden) Shewmake weren’t going to be up here to sit on the bench last year, they needed to play. So those last two spots, knowing that we’re likely not going to have playing time, I think they’re going to be really specific, defined roles. That’s where I think speed will be certainly one of the two.”
With the universal DH implemented, the need for guys that can hit off the bench is certainly reduced. Players who specialize in specific areas, like speed and defense, can oftentimes be more useful in a reserve role. That’s the case for Wall, but it’s not like the bat should be scoffed at. He recorded a .799 OPS in 90 games for Gwinnett last year and even had six hits in 13 at-bats for the Braves.
As of now, Forrest Wall has to be the top candidate for one of the final roster spots on the Braves bench.
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