The Atlanta Braves season will start on Thursday in San Diego as the season finally begins. After a slow offseason, the Braves made a handful of moves in spring training including bringing back former Braves Jessie Chavez and Craig Kimbrel. Both arms are expected to factor into the team's bullpen early in the season. As the team awaits the return of Spencer Strider, the need for bullpen depth is increased with two unproven starters in the rotation.
It wouldn't be a surprise to see the team make another move in the first month of the season including looking at more possible reunions. With this in mind, let's look at the former Braves still searching for a landing spot.
1. Jace Peterson
Jace Peterson spent the 2015-17 seasons with the Atlanta Braves as the franchise completed their rebuild. Since leaving the Braves the infielder has spent time with the Yankees, Orioles, Brewers, Athletics, and Diamondbacks. Last season was the worst of Peterson's career with the infielder unable to offer any production at the plate. There isn't any way the Braves are going to consider a reunion with Nick Allen on the current roster and other superior infield options still in free agency.
Peterson has taken a job in the Brewers organization and seems to be ready to turn the page. It is hard to see a team taking a chance on the infielder unless injuries take away all other options. Peterson has had a solid career but appears to be at the end unless the veteran is willing to take a minor league deal.
2. Alex Wood
For those that may have forgotten Alex Wood started his career in Atlanta spending parts of his first three seasons with the Braves. This was followed by stops with the Dodgers, Reds, Giants, and Athletics. Wood is still only thirty-four but has consistently struggled in the second half of his career. After solid stints with the Dodgers and Braves, the lefty hasn't offered the consistent starts that defined the first seasons of his career.
With this in mind, there isn't a fit for the Braves here, though Wood's career is likely to continue if the lefty wants to continue pitching. The never-ending desperation for capable starting pitching as well as Wood's experience will earn the veteran another chance.