The Atlanta Braves keep aggressively cutting down their spring roster
The Atlanta Braves have made adjustments to their spring training roster, streamlining the selection process for the upcoming Opening Day lineup.
Three players, all of whom were non-roster invitees, were recently reassigned to the minor league camp. Shortstop Nacho Alvarez Jr., infielder Luke Waddell, and outfielder Luis Liberato have transitioned to the backfields, where they will receive increased playing time. As a result of these moves, the Braves now have a total of 36 players remaining in camp.
Among the trio, Alvarez garnered the most attention, having appeared in fourteen games during spring training. Drafted in the fifth round in 2022 from Riverside Community College, Alvarez showcased his skills primarily at shortstop, boasting a .263 batting average in Grapefruit League contests.
Alvarez’s defensive proficiency at shortstop holds significant importance for his future prospects. While his offensive capabilities may not align with the power typically associated with third base players, excelling at shortstop provides him with a clearer path to Major League playing time while also offering a more manageable developmental trajectory. During the previous season, Alvarez demonstrated his prowess at High-A Rome, batting .284/.395/.391 with seven home runs and sixty-six RBIs across 116 games, predominantly at shortstop. He is slated to begin the upcoming season at AA Mississippi.
Waddell, selected in the fifth round in 2021 from the nearby Georgia Tech, appeared in sixteen Grapefruit League games, boasting a solid .316 batting average and a .435 on-base percentage. Primarily a middle infielder, Waddell possesses the versatility to play both shortstop and second base at a Major League level. While his offensive output may not feature significant power, with only 16 career home runs across three minor league seasons, his potential as a utility player at the next level remains promising. Waddell is expected to start the 2024 season either at AA Mississippi or AAA Gwinnett, where he concluded the previous season.
Liberato, aged 28, was among the contenders vying for the role of backup outfielder for the Atlanta Braves during this spring’s training. Having started his career with the San Diego Padres and making his Major League debut in 2022, Liberato’s performance in the 14 games played this spring resulted in a modest batting average of .185. It is anticipated that he will be designated to AAA Gwinnett, where he will join J.P. Martinez along with the individuals not selected for the bench outfielder positions, which are currently projected to be Eli White and Jordan Luplow.
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