As Opening Day 2026 approaches in Major League Baseball, the Atlanta Braves are entering the final stages of roster decisions. While most of the team's core lineup is already set, a handful of roster spots remain uncertain—and several players currently competing for those roles may only be temporary solutions.
With stars like Ronald Acuña Jr. currently away representing Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic, the rest of the Braves roster is continuing preparations in Spring Training. The coaching staff, led by longtime manager Brian Snitker, is now focused on finalizing the team that will take the field when the regular season begins.
However, not every player who makes the Opening Day roster is expected to stay there long. Several names being discussed around the organization appear likely to serve as short-term depth pieces rather than long-term contributors.
Bryce Elder May Be a Temporary Rotation Piece
One of the most notable names on that list is Bryce Elder. The right-handed pitcher has been part of Atlanta's pitching depth for several seasons, but his performance has been inconsistent. Still, his familiarity with the organization and his lack of remaining minor league options make him a likely candidate to begin the season in the starting rotation.
The Braves are currently protecting their pitching depth early in the year, which may give Elder an opportunity to start the season in the rotation. However, several younger pitchers are waiting in the wings, including Hurston Waldrep, JR Ritchie, and Didier Fuentes.
If any of those prospects prove ready for the major leagues, Elder could quickly find himself replaced.
Jose Suarez Filling an Early Bullpen Need
Another pitcher who may be a short-term roster solution is José Suárez. The Braves recently made a surprising move by sending reliever James Karinchak to the minor leagues despite a strong Spring Training performance.
According to Braves reporter Mark Bowman, the team's early-season schedule is packed with games, making a long reliever a necessity. Suárez fits that role and, like Elder, is out of minor league options.
However, there are questions about whether Suárez will perform well enough to remain on the roster once the schedule stabilizes and other bullpen arms become available.
Veteran Catcher Jonah Heim Likely a Short-Term Stopgap
Behind the plate, Jonah Heim could also be a temporary addition. The veteran catcher's primary value right now lies in his experience rather than recent offensive production.
With starting catcher Sean Murphy dealing with an injury, Heim may serve as a placeholder while top prospect Drake Baldwin continues receiving valuable playing time.
Once Murphy returns to full health, Heim's role on the roster could disappear quickly.
Ben Gamel's Outfield Role Remains Uncertain
The Braves' outfield situation has also become complicated following the suspension of Jurickson Profar. That development opened up an opportunity for players like Ben Gamel, who has performed well in Spring Training and offers defensive versatility.
Still, the roster spot is far from secure. Atlanta could explore other options, including veteran slugger Dom Smith, depending on how the final roster construction unfolds.
Because of the fluid nature of the outfield situation, the Braves may rotate players through that spot during the early part of the season. If that happens, Gamel could find himself moving on sooner rather than later.
Martin Perez as a Temporary Veteran Arm
Another player who may only be in Atlanta briefly is veteran pitcher Martin Perez. At this stage of his career, PĂ©rez is viewed more as an experienced innings-eater than a long-term solution.
If he earns a spot on the Opening Day roster, his role will likely be to provide stability while younger pitchers continue developing in the minor leagues.
However, if PĂ©rez is still starting games for Atlanta deep into the season—particularly beyond May—it could signal that injuries or performance issues have forced the Braves into a less-than-ideal situation.
Braves' Core Remains Strong Despite Depth Questions
Despite the uncertainty surrounding these roster spots, the core of the Braves remains one of the strongest in baseball. With star players already established throughout the lineup and pitching staff, Atlanta continues to be viewed as a serious contender in the National League.
The remaining roster decisions are mostly about depth and flexibility—areas that often fluctuate throughout the long MLB season.
As Opening Day draws closer, fans will soon see which players secure those final roster spots. But for several names currently in the mix, their time with the Braves' major league roster could be short-lived.
In baseball, roster turnover is inevitable, especially for players on the fringe. And for Atlanta, these temporary solutions may simply be stepping stones until the organization's next wave of talent arrives. ⚾