The Atlanta Braves' shortstop dilemma: a future of uncertainty and strategic decisions.
Not re-signing Dansby Swanson after the 2022 season has left a significant void in the Braves' lineup. Since then, they've tried 11 different players at shortstop, with Orlando Arcia's stellar first half of 2023 being the only bright spot. But the question remains: who will fill this crucial position in the long term?
For the 2026 season, Ha-Seong Kim and Mauricio Dubón are set to man the position, but both players become free agents after this year. The Braves' strategy for the 2027 season is a complex puzzle. Kim, represented by Scott Boras, signed a one-year, $20M deal for 2026, hoping to bounce back from an injury-plagued season. He aims for a better year, including more stolen base attempts, but will the Braves be able to re-sign him?
The team could offer an early extension, but Boras-repped players rarely sign before free agency. The looming lockout and qualifying offer might push Kim to stay, especially with his friend Jurickson Profar's presence in Atlanta. However, if Kim maximizes his earnings on the open market, the Braves might turn to Dubón, who has the defensive skills but has seen offensive regression.
And here's where it gets tricky: the free agent market for shortstops is sparse. The Braves could sign Kim during the season, but other options include Chicago Cubs' Nico Hoerner and Philadelphia Phillies' Edmundo Sosa, both capable of thriving defensively at shortstop. The Braves might also explore trade options, acquiring a young player about to hit free agency or an overpaid veteran in a salary dump scenario.
Some familiar names from the previous offseason include Jeremy Peña, CJ Abrams, and Zach Neto, all promising young players on non-competitive teams. Corey Seager, Trevor Story, and Ezequiel Tovar are veterans who could be salary dumps. Another wild card is Matt McLain of the Cincinnati Reds, who could be available if he underperforms again, but the Braves would need to act fast.
The Braves' main shortstop prospects, John Gil and 2025 draftees Alex Lodise and Cody Miller, are unlikely to be ready for the 2027 season. The team needs a veteran shortstop to compete for the division title, and while free agency or a trade are options, the future remains uncertain.
But here's the million-dollar question: will the Braves find a long-term solution at shortstop, or will they continue to navigate a revolving door of short-term options? The team's strategy and the players' performances will determine the outcome, leaving fans and analysts alike eagerly awaiting the next move. And this is the part most people miss: the Braves' front office must balance short-term competitiveness with long-term sustainability, a delicate dance that could shape the team's future for years to come.
