It may only be four games into spring training, but the Atlanta Braves are already making moves. And for four players, that means packing their bags for minor league camp.
That’s right, the first round of roster cuts is in. While none of these names come as a total shock, it’s still a reality check for anyone hoping for a surprise breakout this spring.
Hurston Waldrep: Top Prospect Needs More Time
Let’s start with the biggest name of the bunch: Hurston Waldrep. The Braves’ top pitching prospect was always a long shot to crack the Opening Day roster.
With Ian Anderson and Grant Holmes ahead of him in the battle for the final two rotation spots, his odds were not great to begin with. Still, if Waldrep was hoping to force the issue with a dominant spring, well, that didn’t exactly happen.
He got his feet wet with one inning against the Pirates. While he kept them scoreless, the command issues were clear—16 pitches, only eight for strikes.
It’s not a disaster, but it’s enough for the Braves to decide he needs a little more polish in Triple-A Gwinnett before he’s ready for the show.
Dylan Dodd: Running Out of Chances
Next is Dylan Dodd, a name Braves fans will remember from last year’s rotation carousel. Dodd showed promise in 2023 spring training, but it’s been a bumpy ride ever since.
His one inning of work against the Twins didn’t do much to change the narrative. Two runs, three hits, and a 17-pitch outing left a lot to be desired.
The 26-year-old lefty is running out of time to prove he’s a long-term big-league option, and his next stop in Gwinnett will be crucial if he wants to stay on the radar.
Enoli Paredes and Royber Salinas: Braves Depth Pieces for Now
Then there’s Enoli Paredes, the 29-year-old right-hander who joined the Braves in the offseason.
He had a brief—but not particularly inspiring—spring debut, throwing 25 pitches in his inning of work against the Pirates, only 13 of which found the strike zone. He also gave up three hits and a run.
It’s not ideal, but given his solid minor-league track record, he could still be called up in 2025 if the bullpen needs reinforcements.
Finally, we have Royber Salinas, who has a bit of a full-circle story. The Braves originally dealt Salinas to the A’s in the Sean Murphy trade, but he found his way back to Atlanta this offseason.
However, unlike the other three pitchers, Salinas didn’t even get to pitch in a spring training game before being reassigned.
That tells you the Braves already had their mind made up—he’s heading straight for Gwinnett’s rotation, where he’ll try to reestablish himself.
What’s Next for the Braves?
None of these four were expected to make the Opening Day roster, but the moves still give us a little insight into where things stand.
Waldrep remains a top prospect but needs more time. Dodd’s window is closing. Paredes may get a shot later in the season. And Salinas? He’s back in the organization but has some serious work to do.
It’s only the first wave of cuts, and with weeks of spring training left, we’ll see plenty more roster shakeups.
