Three players to watch during Braves spring training

Bryce Elder, pitcher

2024 MLB stats: 2-5, 6.52 ERA, 1.63 WHIP and 46 strikeouts over 49.2 innings pitched

After looking like a solid 3-4 starter during his first two seasons in MLB, the wheels fell off for Braves pitcher Bryce Elder in 2024. 

Entering his fourth spring training with the club, Elder will be looking to prove that he can still make an impact with the Braves as they look to replace the innings left by injured pitcher Spencer Strider to begin the 2025 season.

While Elder is a prime candidate to take those innings, he is also fighting for his future in the Braves' plans. 

If they can get the starter who threw 228.2 innings with a 3.66 ERA, 1.268 WHIP and 175 strikeouts over the 2022-23 seasons, the Braves will be very pleased.

Spencer Schwellenbach, pitcher

2024 MLB stats: 8-7, 3.35 ERA, 1.043 WHIP and 127 strikeouts in 123.2 innings pitched

Coming off a great debut season in 2024, Braves pitcher Spencer Schwellenbach will have big expectations entering his second season after bursting onto the scene last year. 

With reigning National League Cy Young Award winner Chris Sale leading the rotation, Schwellenbach will see a big role entering the 2025 season with Strider returning from a major injury and Max Fried signing with the New York Yankees this past offseason. 

He does a great job of missing bats and limiting hitters to weak contact. If Schwellenbach can continue to frustrate opposing hitters this season, he will be on his way to being one of the best young pitchers in MLB.

Jurickson Profar, outfielder

2024 MLB stats: .280/.380/.459, 24 home runs and 85 RBI in 158 games played

Coming off a career year in 2024, versatile outfielder Jurickson Profar signed a three-year, $42M free-agent deal with the Braves this offseason. Leaving a great Padres offense, the 2024 National League Silver Slugger Award winner slides into one that is even deadlier in Atlanta. 

Profar gives the Braves a switch hitter who excels against left-handed pitching, slashing .300/.385/.500 with eight home runs and 31 RBI in 150 at-bats against southpaws. 

The 32-year-old can also hold his own versus right-handed pitching while also providing playable defense in left field. Profar gives Braves manager Brian Snitker another valuable piece to the puzzle as they look to make a World Series title run in 2025.