4. Grant Holmes
This leads us to the second pitcher most likely to be in Atlanta's rotation and up to be replaced. The job Grant Holmes did last season in less -than-ideal circumstances is why the pitcher is considered the favorite for the final rotation spot. Holmes stepped in and stabilized the Braves rotation, making a clutch start to limp the Braves into the postseason. Chris Sale was dealing with an injury and the Braves turned to Holmes with the playoffs on the line. The pitcher delivered scoreless frames and the Braves won 3-0 in what would be the last gasp of their 2024 season.
For this alone, Holmes is going to be given a shot in this year's rotation. However, there is a very small margin of error for a player who is viewed as the ideal long relief option. If Ian Anderson shows flashes of what he once was, it will be Holmes who is demoted to the back of the Atlanta bullpen. For this reason, there is a lot of pressure on Holmes to be great from the start.
5. Chadwick Tromp
The backup catcher role has been thrown into the spotlight due to the injury to Sean Murphy. It appears clear the team will break camp with Drake Baldwin as the starting catcher. While Tromp was the assumed backup, his spring struggles are making it less clear who the team could choose to move forward with. It comes down to two names with Sandy Leon impressing early this spring. The veteran catcher calls a solid game and has already hit two homers early on.
Tromp has struggled at the plate and isn't competing at a level you want to see from your veteran backup. Not only could Tromp be in danger of losing his roster spot once Murphy returns from injury, but it is also now on the table the Braves break camp and head into Opening Day with Leon as their second option.