As we dive into 2026, the Atlanta Braves find themselves in a promising yet precarious position. They've successfully re-signed key players like Raisel Iglesias and Ha-Seong Kim, while adding fresh faces such as Robert Suarez, Mauricio Dubon, and Mike Yastrzemski to the mix. However, the absence of a standout rotation arm could be a concern, especially given recent injuries that have shaken things up.
Initially, the Braves' rotation depth seemed robust enough to forego signing a new starter. But with Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep sidelined, that depth is being tested. The injury to Kim, which will keep him out until May, opens the door for Dubon to step up as an everyday player, offering a chance for others to vie for a bench spot.
Jorge Mateo, a veteran from the Orioles, has been the frontrunner to back up Dubon since Kim's injury. Yet, Braves beat writer Mark Bowman suggests that Kyle Farmer, a recent minor league signing, might also be in the mix for the Opening Day roster. Whoever claims that bench spot should be ready for a dynamic situation.
Farmer, signed just before camp, brings versatility to the table, a trait the Braves value given their recent infield injury woes. While his minor league deal hints at a potential short-term role, the situation becomes more complex once Kim returns in May. Dubon is expected to shift to the bench, and with Mateo on a major league contract, keeping Farmer in Triple-A might be a strategic move to avoid waiver complications.
While these roster decisions may seem minor, they highlight the intricate balancing act teams like the Braves must perform. If Kim returns on schedule and the infield remains healthy, the identity of the second bench infielder may become a moot point. Still, as Opening Day approaches, Farmer's role will be a topic of interest, at least for the early part of the season.