Atlanta Braves: Five Moves For Braves to Make Before Opening Day
By Deke Lloyd
5. Keep Austin Riley in the Majors
Austin Riley is the Braves top non-pitching prospect. He’s a third baseman but has been getting outfield reps at the start of this Spring Training. This tells me that the Braves are liking what they see from him and looking to for a place for him so he can stay up this year. Josh Donaldson, the Braves starting third basemen, is a mystery when it comes to health. It’s no guarantee that Donaldson will be able to stay healthy this season.
That means there might be a place for Riley sooner than later. Yes, Riley is still a raw prospect who could cut down on his strikeouts, but he’s a player who can breathe some fresh air into this lineup, like Albies and Acuna last season.
The Braves were unwilling to give this guy up in any of the trade talks held for J.T. Realmuto, so that means this team is pretty high on this kid. I hope the Braves are willing to give this kid a shot at making the 40 man roster. Him making it may mean an extra reliever wouldn’t be on the squad to start the year, but if Riley can play, he needs to be with the Braves full-time.
Next. Braves Off-season Targets. dark
No doubt there are plenty of moves the Braves could make before Opening Day. Be sure and comment below who you believe the Braves should add before Opening Day.