Atlanta Braves 2018 Season Preview

ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 9: Dansby Swanson
ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 9: Dansby Swanson
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Atlanta Braves additions and subtractions

Key additions: Scott Kazmir, Brandon McCarthy, Peter Moylan

Newcomer to watch: Scott Kazmir. If healthy, Scott Kazmir could be a key part of the Atlanta Braves starting rotation. If the Braves struggle, and Kazmir proves to be healthy, he could even be a solid trade chip at the deadline.

The problem is that Kazmir is not a bastion of health. Those health woes continued last year, as he missed the entire season due to a hip injury that cropped up in 2016 and sapped the velocity from his fastball. He is healthy once again, but showing obvious rust from missing over a year of action.

Kazmir certainly has the talent needed to help the Braves rotation. He has been a three time All Star, and battled his way back from injuries and ineffectiveness before. However, his 4.56 ERA and 1.357 WHiP in 136.1 innings during the 2016 campaign certainly make one wonder how much he has left in the tank. At this point, Kazmir is a complete wild card for the Braves.

Key losses: Matt Kemp, Matt Adams, Adonis Garcia

Biggest loss: Matt Adams. Adams may not have been a star with the Braves, but he was a solid player that gave the Braves options around the diamond.

In fact, his biggest impact may have come at a position he did not play. With the Braves issues at third last year, Adams being on the roster led to Freddie Freeman playing a handful of games at the hot corner. Even though it may not have been the best decision defensively, this alignment allowed the Braves to put their best hitting lineup on the field.

Heading into 2018, the Atlanta Braves really did not have room for Adams on the roster. Freeman was back at first, and Atlanta has a crowded outfield. The decision to let him depart as a free agent made sense. However, Adams has proven to be a valuable depth piece, and may be the type of player the Braves could use later this season.