4 Braves Players Facing Uphill Battle for Roster Spot

Injuries and stacked roster create challenges for several Atlanta prospects

Apr. 13, 2026 at 6:15am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball game in progress, with the players' forms broken down into sharp, overlapping shapes in a vibrant color palette, conceptually representing the challenges faced by several Braves players in making the 2026 roster.The Braves' roster decisions force several players to fight an uphill battle for a spot on the 2026 team.Atlanta Today

Despite the Atlanta Braves' strong offseason moves, several players are facing an uphill battle to make the team's 2026 roster. Injuries to key pitchers have created opportunities, but players like Carlos Carrasco, Ben Gamel, Jhancarlos Lara, and Dominic Smith are still struggling to stand out on a deep and talented Braves squad.

Why it matters

The Braves are in win-now mode, so they are prioritizing proven talent over unproven potential. This puts several players on the roster bubble, as the team looks to field the most competitive team possible in 2026 after a disappointing 2025 season.

The details

Despite the Braves' pitching injuries, Carlos Carrasco is likely behind several other pitchers in the depth chart due to his recent struggles. Outfielder Ben Gamel faces an uphill battle to make the roster with the Braves' stacked outfield. Reliever Jhancarlos Lara has electric stuff but command issues, making it difficult for him to earn a spot in the Braves' bullpen. First baseman Dominic Smith signed a minor league deal, but with Matt Olson firmly entrenched at first base, his path to playing time is blocked.

  • Last season, Carrasco posted a 7.09 ERA across 11 appearances, including a 9.88 ERA in three games with Atlanta.
  • In 2025, Lara had 104 strikeouts in 68.2 innings but also walked 65 batters.
  • Smith had a solid 2025 season with the Giants before signing a minor league deal with the Braves.

The players

Carlos Carrasco

A right-handed pitcher who struggled mightily last season, posting a 7.09 ERA across 11 appearances, including a 9.88 ERA in three games with the Braves. He was released mid-season but re-signed to a minor league deal.

Ben Gamel

An outfielder who has played for eight teams over nine seasons in the majors, but spent all of 2025 in the minors. The Braves' outfield is already stacked, making it difficult for Gamel to earn a roster spot.

Jhancarlos Lara

A right-handed reliever with electric stuff, including 104 strikeouts in 68.2 innings in 2025. However, his command issues, with 65 walks in those same innings, make it a long shot for him to earn a spot in the Braves' bullpen.

Dominic Smith

A first baseman who had a solid 2025 season with the Giants before signing a minor league deal with the Braves. However, with Matt Olson firmly entrenched at first base, Smith's path to playing time is blocked.

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What’s next

The Braves will have to make difficult roster decisions during Spring Training, as they balance their need for proven talent with the potential of some of their younger players.

The takeaway

The Braves' roster decisions highlight the challenges that some players face in making a major league roster, even when opportunities arise. The team's focus on winning now means they are prioritizing experienced, reliable players over unproven prospects, creating an uphill battle for several Braves hopefuls.