Things are moving fast down in spring training. Some teams like to keep guys around in camp as long as possible, but the Atlanta Braves have been slicing and dicing their roster for over a week now.
Atlanta is making aggressive cuts and fine-tuning their squad ahead of Opening Day. And really, when you look at the state of their roster, it makes total sense.
This team has stability in most positions, so it’s not playing the “wait and see” game. They know what they want and are making decisions accordingly.
More Cuts as Braves Clarify Their Bullpen Picture
If one area of the roster still has some uncertainty, it’s the pitching staff. We’ve already seen a handful of arms get reassigned.
On Friday, the bullpen picture became even clearer when the Braves optioned Domingo Gonzalez and Rolddy Muñoz to Triple-A, sending them back to minor league camp.
Let’s be real—this wasn’t a shocking move. Both pitchers are on the 40-man roster, which gave them a glimmer of hope for an Opening Day spot, but they were always considered long shots.
Despite some competition for those final bullpen slots, Gonzalez and Muñoz were trailing behind names like Daysbel Hernández, Anderson Pilar, and Ángel Perdomo in the pecking order.
Gonzalez Could Make an Impact in 2025
That said, Gonzalez is a guy to keep an eye on. He had a strong 2024 season, pitching across Double-A and Triple-A with a 2.91 ERA and a ridiculous 83 strikeouts in just 52.2 innings.
That’s the kind of strikeout rate that makes a front office take notice, and if he keeps missing bats at that level, he will get his shot in the big leagues before long.
Muñoz Still Needs to Prove He’s Ready
Muñoz, on the other hand, is a bit more of a wild card. The Braves protected him from the Rule 5 draft this offseason, which shows they see something in him.
But his track record in the minors has been inconsistent, and control issues—specifically walks—have been a real problem. If he’s going to break through, he’s got work to do.
He’s looking more like a depth piece right now, someone the team can call on in a pinch. His real shot at the bigs may not come until 2026 or later.
The Braves Are Being Strategic
The Braves are moving purposefully with Opening Day approaching quickly. They’re trimming the roster, refining the bullpen, and ensuring their best squad is ready to roll when the 2025 season kicks off.
At this pace, it won’t be long before we have a crystal-clear picture of how Atlanta’s pitching staff will shape up for the new season.
