Spring Training is the time of year when the Atlanta Braves roster battles heat up, fringe players fight for their spots, and every at-bat feels like a job interview.
And right now, there’s one name you might want to keep an eye on: Eli White. Yeah, that’s right. Most of the attention is on the stars and the prospects. However, White is making some serious noise early in camp.
A guy who’s been bouncing around the majors with a glove-first reputation and a bat that hasn’t exactly struck fear into opposing pitchers, White has suddenly decided to show up and force a conversation.
And so far, he’s making a pretty compelling case to snag one of those coveted bench spots.
Making the Most of Every Opportunity
Let’s talk numbers. White reached base in all five of his first spring plate appearances, including a perfect 3-for-3 performance in a win against the Pirates.
That’s what you call grabbing the moment. Spring Training is all about small sample sizes. If you’re a guy like White, you need to make every single one of those count. And right now, he’s doing exactly that.
But here’s the thing—offense isn’t really what White is known for. The former A’s draft pick has spent parts of five seasons in the majors, but his career batting line (.191/.266/.302) isn’t exactly jumping off the page.
That’s why his path to the Opening Day roster isn’t just about what he does at the plate. It’s about everything else he brings to the table.
Why White Might Stick
First off, the Braves are in a bit of a roster crunch to start the year, especially with Ronald Acuña Jr. working his way back from a knee injury. That means versatility matters. And guess what?
White is adding new wrinkles to his game, taking reps in the infield this spring. If he can prove capable at multiple positions, that alone could give him a leg up in the competition.
Then there’s the speed. We’re talking elite, game-changing speed. Baseball Savant clocked White at 29.6 feet per second last season, putting him in the 96th percentile of all MLB runners.
That’s the kind of speed that can be a difference-maker late in games—whether it’s swiping a bag, scoring from second on a single, or tracking down a ball in the gap.
The Path to a Braves Roster Spot
It’s still early, and a hot start in Spring Training doesn’t guarantee anything. However, White is doing everything he can to make the decision tough for Brian Snitker and the Braves front office.
He’s out of minor league options, which means Atlanta would have to expose him to waivers if he doesn’t make the team. That alone could give him an edge in this roster battle—especially if he keeps hitting and proving his defensive versatility.
Keep an eye on Eli White. If he keeps up this level of play, he might just run his way onto the Braves’ Opening Day roster.
