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Atlanta Braves: Five Players to Watch Closely During Spring Training

By Kit Anderson

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 04: Brian Snitker #43 of the Atlanta Braves looks on from the dugout in game two of the National League Division Series against the St. Louis Cardinals at SunTrust Park on October 04, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 04: Brian Snitker #43 of the Atlanta Braves looks on from the dugout in game two of the National League Division Series against the St. Louis Cardinals at SunTrust Park on October 04, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 20: Felix Hernandez #34 of the Seattle Mariners pitches during a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 20, 2019, in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 20: Felix Hernandez #34 of the Seattle Mariners pitches during a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 20, 2019, in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

1. Does Felix Hernandez Have Anything Left in the Tank?

One of the most interesting moves of the off-season was the Braves bringing in Felix Hernandez. Yes, he has had a 5+ ERA each of the last two seasons, however, he has been one of the best pitches in baseball over the last decade.

Typically the top of the rotation pitchers age slower than most other positions though there are always exceptions.

Both the Braves and their fans should be watching Felix very closely to see if the former ace has any chance of bouncing back in 2020. If he shows even flashes of being the pitcher he once was, fans should expect to see him in the Opening Day rotation. If not, it was a high upside move that Atlanta can easily move on from.

Even with his struggles Felix still has a career 3.42 ERA and 168-wins at only thirty-three years it is hard to believe Hernandez can’t find a way at the very least to be a serviceable starter. This was certainly Atlanta’s most underrated move and the one with the highest upside.

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