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North Port Today
By the People, for the People
Braves Trim Non-Roster Invites Ahead of Opening Day
Atlanta reassigns two more players, leaving a handful of key non-roster players in spring training
Mar. 16, 2026 at 5:51pm
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The Atlanta Braves have reassigned two more non-roster players, infielder Aaron Schunk and outfielder Brewer Hicklen, to minor league camp. This leaves 43 players remaining in big league camp, including a handful of non-roster invites like Dominic Smith, Ben Gamel, Sandy León, and JR Ritchie. The Braves have also optioned five players from the 40-man roster to Triple-A, including prospects Nacho Alvarez Jr., Jhancarlos Lara, Hayden Harris, and Rolddy Muñoz.
Why it matters
As the Braves continue to trim their roster ahead of Opening Day, the remaining non-roster invites will be closely watched as they compete for potential spots on the 40-man and active rosters. These players could provide important depth for the Braves throughout the season.
The details
Schunk and Hicklen were both signed to minor league deals by the Braves in the offseason. Schunk has limited MLB experience with the Rockies, while Hicklen provides outfield depth and speed off the bench. The Braves have also optioned five players from the 40-man roster to Triple-A, including some top prospects, as they finalize their Opening Day roster.
- The Braves announced the reassignments just before their game against the Rays on Monday, March 16, 2026.
The players
Aaron Schunk
An infielder who was signed to a minor league contract by the Braves in December. He has limited MLB experience with the Colorado Rockies.
Brewer Hicklen
An outfielder who was signed to a minor league deal by the Braves in November. He provides outfield depth and speed off the bench.
Dominic Smith
One of the non-roster invites remaining in Braves camp.
Ben Gamel
One of the non-roster invites remaining in Braves camp.
Sandy León
One of the non-roster invites remaining in Braves camp.
What’s next
The Braves will continue to evaluate their remaining non-roster invites as they finalize their Opening Day roster. Some of these players could earn spots on the 40-man roster and make the active roster.
The takeaway
The Braves are carefully trimming their roster ahead of the season, with a focus on evaluating their non-roster invites who could provide important depth throughout the year. These players will be closely watched as they compete for potential roster spots.
