Braves Release Full List of Non-Roster Spring Training Invitees

The Atlanta Braves were very active this winter, especially with their signings of Cole Hamels and Marcell Ozuna. However, with pitchers and catchers reporting for Spring Training in less than a month, there are still going to be opportunities available for unheralded players to earn a spot on the team's 40-man Opening Day roster.

On Wednesday, the team released its full list of non-roster invitees, which includes former 2010 AL Cy Young winner Felix Hernandez, and 2019 first-round picks in catcher Shea Langeliers and infielder Braden Shewmake.

Hernandez is an intriguing name to keep an eye on this spring. After suffering a decline in production, the Seattle Mariners opted against retaining him, and thus he hit free agency for the first time at his lowest low. Is there anything left in this venerated tank?

Atlanta jumped on the opportunity to bring in Hernandez on a low-risk, high-reward deal. If it works out, Hernandez would be a quality option at the end of the starting rotation, as the Braves push to make the World Series next fall.

Langielers ranks as the No. 5 prospect in Atlanta's pipeline. He's viewed as a tremendous defender behind home plate, while also showing consistency at the dish. At Single-A this year, Langielers accumulated a .255 batting average, .652 OPS, two home runs and 34 RBI.

As for Shewmake (No. 9 Braves prospect), he's been praised for his accurate arm at shortstop, while also putting the bat on the ball. Through Single- and Double-A last season, Shewmake posted a .300 batting average, .796 OPS, three homers and 40 RBI.

Atlanta will be a team to watch in 2020, and that all begins in Spring Training.