The end of the 2022 MLB campaign left Braves fans feeling like the rug had been pulled out from underneath them. After bringing a World Series trophy to Truist Park in 2021, the team closed out the season by securing their fifth consecutive National League East title and headed into the postseason as a favorite to repeat as champions but were upset in the National League Division Series by the Phillies.
With all the anticipation over the winter months and questions about what this year has in store, the Braves announced the report dates for pitchers and catchers, which serves as a reminder that another MLB season is upon us.
All pitchers and catchers who are participating in the World Baseball Classic, which will be held from March 8 – March 21, will report to camp in North Port, Florida on Feb. 13. All other Braves pitchers and catchers will arrive Feb. 15 with the first workout being held on Thursday, Feb 16.
All position players in the WBC will report to camp by Feb.
16 with all non-participating position players reporting Feb. 20. The squad’s first full-team workout is slated for Tuesday, Feb.21.
While Braves fans don’t know which players will be involved with the tournament, it’s clear that Ronald Acuna Jr. won’t be one of them. After committing to play for Team Venezuela back in September, he hasn’t been granted permission from the Braves to suit up for his home nation. Major League players are only allowed to participate if that have the thumbs-up from the club and, given Acuna’s injury history over the past two seasons, it’s hard to see the Braves willing to take that risk.
The Grapefruit League schedule will open up Feb 25, with the Braves playing host to the Red Sox in North Port.
Dansby Swanson headed to the North Side of Chicago in the offseason so who fills that void will be one of the storylines to follow as spring training gets underway. While the front office made moves to solidify the bullpen, who will step in and round out the starting rotation? Do Michael Harris II and Spencer Strider continue to progress or will there be setbacks? All these questions and so many more are now several weeks away from being supplied with some answers.