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  "description": "The Dynasty Team breaks down one spring position battle per team providing insight into who might be a target in dynasty leagues.",
  "path": "/position-battles-nl-east/",
  "publishedAt": "2026-03-12T11:38:39.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.prospectslive.com",
  "tags": [
    "Position Battles - Prospects LiveProspects LiveDavid Gofman",
    "Chris Sale",
    "Spencer Strider",
    "Reynaldo Lopez",
    "Grant Holmes",
    "Spencer Schwellenbach",
    "Hurston Waldrep",
    "AJ Smith-Shawver;",
    "Bryce Elder",
    "Joey Wentz, who looked",
    "Carlos Carrasco",
    "Martin Perez",
    "Didier Fuentes",
    "JR Ritchie",
    "Subscribe now",
    "@prspctvibecheck"
  ],
  "textContent": "We have almost reached the height of draft season and there is so much around the league that remains uncertain. Position battles are afoot and with the WBC taking center stage (and many of the top players away from their rosters) it further muddies the waters for playing time.\n\nThis week, the Dynasty Team will be looking into one position battle per team and try to identify some players you need to be prioritizing in your dynasty leagues. Paying attention to roster trends and news items is key this time of year to get a leg up on your competition.\n\nNext up, the NL East! PJ Benasillo (@prspctvibecheck on X) gives his insight into how he sees some important roster battles shaking out.\n\nPosition Battles - Prospects LiveProspects LiveDavid Gofman\n\n###  _Atlanta Braves - #4/5 Starting Pitchers_\n\nThe top level of the Braves' rotation is mostly set with Chris Sale and Spencer Strider locked in. Behind them, Reynaldo Lopez and Grant Holmes will likely enter the rotation this year, following up and down 2025 seasons. Lopez and Holmes's playing time promotions are partially based on injuries to Spencer Schwellenbach, Hurston Waldrep, and AJ Smith-Shawver; otherwise, they would likely have been fighting for time.\n\nThe last spot will probably go to Bryce Elder, much to the chagrin of Braves fans. Elder has little to no fantasy value at the moment. He's arguably been the worst starting pitcher in baseball over the last two years. His terrible performance has had Braves fans clamoring for other options. One of those options was Joey Wentz, who looked very sharp in Spring Training with a nice velocity increase; however, he unfortunately tore his ACL while attempting a defensive play and will be out for the entire season.\n\nThat leaves NRI options of Carlos Carrasco (blech) and Martin Perez (gross), or then the fun options of top prospects Didier Fuentes (132) and JR Ritchie (106). Fuentes is the more likely of the two prospects to be on the Opening Day roster, given that he was already on the 40-man roster after a surprise call up despite being just 20-years-old. Fuentes looked overmatched in his MLB debut, but he has a legitimate 70-grade or better fastball that has a ton of ride. Fuentes has also looked tremendous in very limited Spring Training action. Some people have been calling Fuentes \"Baby Strider\" because of his elite fastball-centered game. It would be irresponsible to place any legitimate projection on Fuentes for 2026, but there's a lot to like in his game.\n\nJ.R. Ritchie is arguably the best prospect in the Braves' rather depleted farm system. He's shown a tremendous ability to turn over lineups and go deeper into games than most at his experience level. Ritchie jumped three levels last year, from High-A all the way to Triple-A. Across his 26 starts, Ritchie compiled an absurd 2.64 ERA. Personally, I believe we're too low on Ritchie both in terms of talent level and proximity. Ritchie would be a priority add for me; the second it looks like he'll be called up, he'll be a must-have in shallower leagues. I'd also recommend trading for him prior to his debut, as it feels as though he's still being underrated by the broader fantasy community at large.\n\nUnfortunately, I think Ritchie will have to wait until later in the season for his time to shine. Despite the protests of fans, it's most likely that Elder, Carrasco, or Martin Perez will start the season in Atlanta. However, I'd wager that Fuentes is the first name called up once the Braves ultimately lose their patience with Elder.\n\n### _Miami Marlins - #4/5 Starting Pitchers_\n\n## Sign up for Prospects Live\n\nYour one stop shop for Dynasty Fantasy Baseball, MLB Draft, Baseball Card & MiLB Baseball content. Blending Data & Scouting into our Player Evaluation\n\nSubscribe\n\nEmail sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup.\n\nNo spam. Unsubscribe anytime.\n\n### This post is for subscribers only\n\nBecome a member to get access to all content\n\nSubscribe now",
  "title": "Position Battles- NL East",
  "updatedAt": "2026-03-12T11:38:40.232Z"
}