Atlanta Braves
Atlanta Braves

Five Braves who could emerge this season

1. Will A.J. Minter take over the closer role? The Braves drafted Minter, 24, in the second round in 2015. Batters hit .224 against Minter last season. In 15 innings, Minter struck out 26 and walked two. 2. A full season of Ozzie Albies could provide huge boost. The second baseman runs like a blur and plays solid defense. Albies, 21, had 20 extra-base hits in 217 at-bats in 2017. Albies stole eight bases and was caught once. 3. Ronald Acuna takes over left, meets half the expectations. His debut may come
By
Feb 16, 2018

With Braves fans itching for a big surge forward in the team’s rebuild, and the team seeking to move closer to 81 wins in the coming season, both desires may rest on young players developing into reliable (or better), everyday performers.

Which players will emerge as key players over the full season? The video above shows five candidates who may provide the answer.

If all five emerge, the Braves’ rebuild could take a big step forward in 2018.

The journey begins Monday when the Braves conduct their first full-squad workout of the year.

About the Author

David Wellham has worked as an editor and content producer at the AJC since 2006, but his knowledge of sports in metro Atlanta and Georgia dates to much earlier. He uses his institutional knowledge to help the AJC provide in-depth coverage of area sports and sports teams. David can be reached at 404-526-5424 and dwellham@ajc.com.

Follow David Wellham on twitter
More Stories

Keep Reading

Formerly with the Minnesota Twins, Joey Wentz joined the Braves roster last week and will start for Atlanta on Saturday. (Matt Krohn/AP)

Credit: AP

Newcomer Joey Wentz to get start Saturday

Braves added the left-hander to the roster last week.

17m ago

Max Fried won’t pitch against Braves this weekend

Atlanta Braves fans will have to wait to see their former ace pitch again at Truist Park.

2h ago

In agreement with Manfred on All-Star Week: ‘An extraordinary success’

MLB commissioner calls Braves ‘an exceptional host Club.’

The Latest

Formerly with the Minnesota Twins, Joey Wentz joined the Braves roster last week and will start for Atlanta on Saturday. (Matt Krohn/AP)

Credit: AP

Newcomer Joey Wentz to get start Saturday

17m ago

Max Fried won’t pitch against Braves this weekend

2h ago

Braves Report: Back to the grind

Featured

“Our members cannot be bought off,” General President Sean O’Brien said in a social media statement, calling UPS' offers “illegal and haphazard.” (Hyosub Shin/AJC 2023)

Credit: Hyosub Shin/AJC

UPS offers unprecedented buyouts for drivers

The Teamsters union, which represents about 340,000 UPS employees, is urging its full-time members to reject the offers.

Longtime south Atlanta flea market set for massive mixed-use makeover

The developer is planning one of the largest projects in Atlanta’s Southside, a more than $500 million project near Greenbriar Mall.

MARTA chief Collie Greenwood retiring early

MARTA CEO and General Manager Collie Greenwood is leaving “because of immigration and personal matters” and has elected early retirement.