Three Early Braves Spring Training Takeaways

It’s been two weeks since pitchers and catchers reported to Spring Training, and games are finally beginning, with the Braves completed their third this afternoon.

As always, it’s important to take results this early in the season with a grain of salt, so most of my takeaways won’t have much to do with stats unless a player is competing for a roster spot, but there are a few early developments to keep an eye on as Spring Training progresses.

Tyler Matzek is back!

Tyler Matzek suffered a torn UCL that necessitated Tommy John surgery shortly before the 2022 postseason began. He made his Spring Training debut today, pitching one inning, after not pitching in a game since… He allowed two baserunners (one hit and one walk), but no runs crossed the plate.

Matzek was one of the top relievers in the game a few years ago and is popular in the clubhouse. It would be a huge benefit if he could rediscover form ahead of the 2024 season.

Keep an eye on Ignacio Alvarez!

Ignacio Alvarez is gaining steam as a prospect, with some sites even ranking him in the top 100. He will shortly turn 21 years old and has demonstrated the ability to play shortstop as well as a well above-average contact hitter with increasing power.

Alvarez is my prediction to be the Braves’ surprise prospect for the 2024 season, and he’s off to a good start in Spring Training, with three hits in six at-bats. He’ll most likely open the season at AA, but if he gets out to a fast start, he might be in the majors before long.

Reynaldo Lopez is the favorite for the last rotation slot.

I’ll be sharing my first updated Opening Day roster projections since the start of Spring Training very soon, so keep an eye out for that, but here’s a preview peak for now.

Lopez will be in the starting rotation to begin the season, as long as he performs well in the coming weeks. By employing him as a starter, the Braves will be able to keep an extra reliever. I also feel the Braves want to give him a good look as a member of the rotation due to his potential upside.

Lopez has an unbelievable arm, and if he can blow batters away for 5-6 innings every five days, that Significantly more valuable than a reliever. It’s a fascinating experiment, and I believe the Braves are serious about it, so he’ll have to start the season in the rotation.