2. Nick Allen
Allen was one of the surprise additions to Atlanta's roster thanks to an incredible spring training run. If the Braves were truly having a shortstop competition, there is no denying Orlando Arcia lost, and it wasn't particularly close. So why would Allen be among potential roster cuts? It comes down to the simple math of how much Atlanta has invested in each player. Allen was a cheap reclamation project the team can move off of if the infielder doesn't impress in the first weeks of the season.
The infielder is off to a solid start in that department, making an incredible defensive play and collecting a hit in his first start of the season. Allen put together solid at-bats and was able to show the defensive improvement the team makes when taking Arcia off the field.
While Arcia remains the unquestioned starter, Allen's roster spot will be safe if the shortstop can put together a few more outings as impressive as his Atlanta debut.
3. AJ Smith-Shawver
The best possible path for Atlanta's rotation is Smith-Shawver proving himself ready to be the team's fifth option. If that is the case, Atlanta can push Grant Holmes into the bullpen and improve their weakest unit. Holmes earned a shot at sticking in the rotation based on being the starter who pushed the Braves into the postseason at the end of the 2024 season. However, there is no denying his style and arm would fix a lot of the issues facing the bullpen.
Whether or not this is an option entirely depends on Smith-Shawver. The young pitcher has had two very rough postseason appearances he clearly wasn't ready for. Atlanta put a young pitcher in a bad position based on a complete lack of other options. Still, the talent is immense and has the ceiling to give Atlanta the best rotation in the league. If last season's struggles linger, however, it will be Smith-Shawver who is demoted with Holmes keeping the final spot in Atlanta's rotation.