5 questions facing Braves for 2022 season

ATLANTA -- As the Braves prepare for Spring Training, they are faced with many of the same primary questions that existed when the offseason began.

Freddie Freeman’s future is still undetermined, and it remains to be seen whether some of the Braves’ postseason heroes will be back to help Atlanta try to defend its World Series crown.

Here is a look at the top five questions facing the Braves:

1. Will Freeman return?
When the lockout began, the Braves and Freeman had not made any significant progress in their negotiations. Now, after a couple months of inactivity, the 2020 National League MVP may need to make a quick decision. Does that favor the Braves, who are banking on Freeman’s desire to stay in Atlanta trumping all other options? Or is there a possibility that the Southern California native ends up with the Dodgers? With the universal designated hitter in place, a few other NL clubs could suddenly have room for the slugger.

It’s hard to imagine the Braves without Freeman. But once the free-agent process began, it became clear his return to Atlanta was no longer a guarantee.

2. How will the outfield be constructed?
Along with giving Guillermo Heredia a one-year, $1 million contract and tendering Adam Duvall near the end of November, the Braves also learned Marcell Ozuna will be eligible for the start of the 2022 season. That gives them a starting outfield trio until Ronald Acuña Jr. returns from right knee surgery, possibly within the season’s first 4-6 weeks.

At that point, Ozuna could be used as the DH. So, too, could World Series MVP Jorge Soler if he were to be re-signed. But the return of Ozuna seems to lessen the likelihood of both Soler and NL Championship Series MVP Eddie Rosario returning. It’s more likely to be one or the other.

The existence of the DH could also lessen the concern about the potential wear and tear Duvall could feel if asked to serve as the team’s primary center fielder. Acuña could spend time in center, but there may be a desire to keep him away from the position as he returns from a torn right ACL.

3. Is there sufficient rotation depth?
The Braves could open the season with Charlie Morton, Max Fried and Ian Anderson heading their rotation. But there’s also a chance the club will take a cautious approach with Morton as he recovers from the fractured right fibula he suffered in Game 1 of the World Series.

Even if Morton enters the regular season without restriction, he joins Fried and Anderson as the only rotation locks. Kyle Wright, Huascar Ynoa, Tucker Davidson, Touki Toussaint and Kyle Muller are all internal candidates to fill the final two spots. But it might be wise to add experience to this mix by attempting to sign a veteran starter.

4. How deep is the relief corps?
The "Night Shift" -- which includes closer Will Smith, Tyler Matzek, A.J. Minter and Luke Jackson -- will return with the hope of being as impressive and reliable as it was throughout last year’s postseason. If Kirby Yates makes a successful recovery from Tommy John surgery, he could further strengthen the bullpen during the season’s second half.

Along with Yates, the Braves added veteran depth by acquiring Jay Jackson from the Giants. The club’s internal depth also includes Jacob Webb, Sean Newcomb and touted prospect Spencer Strider. Ynoa and Muller could also become valuable bullpen pieces if they don’t find a spot in the rotation.

5. Who will fill the bench?
With Heredia back, the Braves have one of the game’s most spirited and energetic personalities. The veteran can also serve as an effective fourth outfielder. Orlando Arcia will return as a backup infielder. Along with being a versatile defender, he gives the bench some power potential.

Arcia’s former Brewers teammate, Manny Piña, signed with the Braves to become their backup catcher. His presence will take some strain off veteran Travis d’Arnaud.

The Braves may attempt to re-sign Ehire Adrianza, who strengthened their bench as a versatile defender and switch-hitter last year.

As for the need for a power-hitting pinch-hitter, that will be lessened with the DH in place. But if the Braves decide to go this route, a free agent like Brad Miller might draw interest.