UPDATED LINEUP: CLICK HERE

The braves just lost in the NLDS to the Dodgers and most braves fans aren’t upset about yet. They didn’t think the Braves would even be playing for a championship this year. The braves struck out before the season started … right? The young braves would prove resilient and made things interesting in the NLDS, after the deer in the headlights look the first two games. There’s no doubt, they will be ready and more experienced next year but before you bet online, let’s take a look at at the current braves 2019 roster projection so at least you’re prepared for what’s coming:

Braves 2019 Roster

Starting Pitching

1. Mike Foltynewicz – A fantastic season that turned in a 13-10 and a 2.85 era, striking out 202 batters for the first time of his career. Barring any trade for a frontline pitcher, Folty will be number 1.
2. Trade/Free Agency – The Braves need a stable veteran. I don’t see them repaying for Anibal Sanchez and don’t see his value repeating itself. This pitcher will either be a top flight ace to pitch 1, or a slide into the 2 hole to deepen the rotation.
3. Sean Newcomb – Newcomb proved his worth and signified what the Braves thought in him, handing him the pivotal game three start. Newcomb was 12-9 with a 3.90 ERA.
4. Kevin Gausman – Gausman went 5-3 with a 2.87 era when he arrived at the Braves.
5. Mike Soroka/Touki Toussaint/Max Fried/Luiz Gohara/Kyle Wright – Any of these could fill in a spot right now. They could fill a great rotation of rookies. The Braves may not go the trade/free agency route for the #2 and give two of these a chance to pitch, but my money is on the braves do grab another veteran to help fill innings until mid-season, then trade him. Look for this pitcher in the 5 spot to be the lucky one not traded this off-season to fill up an offensive need.

Closing the book – Julio Teheran will not be back and that couldn’t be more obvious during the playoffs. After starting another consecutive opening day, Teheran wasn’t handed a ball until the game 5 was out of hand. He knew it too. As stated before, I don’t think Sanchez will return. He will get a much lucrative offer from someone else. Only way he’s back on the Braves if he were to take a significant discount. Brandon McCarthy will retire.

Relievers – The Braves will be very active in the free agency and trade front for relievers. Craig Kimbrel will be the top target, which would push Arodys Vizcaino to 8th inning and AJ Minter to 7th inning. A dominant closer will be the primary target for this core.

Starting Lineup

1. Ronald Acuna Jr – LF – As of now, the reigning Rookie of the Year will bat leadoff.
2. Ozzie Albies – 2B
3. Freddie Freeman – 1B
4. Trade/Free Agent Signing – Either a Catcher, Right Fielder, or power 3B. For purposes, I’m going to assume this will be a power RF. Just don’t think there is a catcher that would fill this spot anyways. Third will go to …
5. Austin Riley – 3B
6. Tyler Flowers – C – Or whoever they get to platoon or start over Flowers.
7. Ender Inciarte – CF – I could see Ender being traded if the Braves are extremely active this off-season, paving the way for Pache.
8. Dansby Swanson – SS

2019 Call Ups

Cristian Pache – only 29 at bats at AA and will need more seasoning. Will most likely take the Ronald Acuna treatment as well.

Trades and Free Agents

I do see the Braves being very active in the outfield market, Bryce Harper will be mentioned, AJ Pollock, etc. I don’t see Manny Machado moving off the Dodgers. They may be players in JT Realmuto but don’t see the Marlins trading him to the rival Braves unless one or two of those #5 starters are included.

Starting pitching will be wild and crazy as well. Patrick Corbin, Dallas Keuchel, James Shields are just the cream of the crop this year.

The Braves are only at $59 MM payroll for 2019. They can add some big time players. My prediction:

Braves sign a RF.

Braves sign a SP.

Braves sign 2 RP.

Braves use remaining money for bench.