Imagine this: the Atlanta Braves, a team known for their strategic moves, are facing a critical decision that could shape their future. But here's the twist: their current shortstop situation is more precarious than most fans realize. After letting Dansby Swanson go in 2022, the Braves have struggled to find a consistent presence at shortstop, cycling through eleven players since the start of the 2023 season. Only Orlando Arcia's magical first half in 2023 came close to league-average performance. And this is the part most people miss: the current shortstop, Ha-Seong Kim, and his backup, Mauricio Dubón, are both free agents after the 2026 season. So, what's the plan for 2027?
For 2026, the Braves seem set with Kim on a $20 million salary and Dubón as his backup. However, Kim's return to Atlanta was only possible because he didn't secure the long-term deal he sought in free agency. Represented by Scott Boras, Kim signed a one-year deal with the Tampa Bay Rays after recovering from shoulder surgery, but injuries and poor performance led him to accept a 'pillow deal' with the Braves. This deal, unlike typical Boras negotiations, was straightforward: $20 million for 2026 with no deferred payments or player opt-outs.
Kim has expressed his desire to improve in 2026, particularly in stolen base attempts. He told Korean media, 'My strength is being able to steal bases anytime... Next year, I naturally think I should run as much as I used to, and I’ll prepare accordingly.' If Kim returns to his 2023 form, when he posted a 107 OPS+ and stole 38 bases, he'll be one of the most sought-after free agents in the winter of 2027. But here's where it gets controversial: can the Braves retain him? With their 'Atlanta Max' salary cap at $22 million, it's unlikely they'll match his market value. However, they could tag him with a qualifying offer, ensuring a draft pick if he signs elsewhere.
The most logical move would be an early extension, but Boras-represented players rarely sign before free agency. Yet, it's not unheard of; Matt Chapman signed a three-year deal with opt-outs and later a six-year, $151 million extension with the Giants. The threat of a lockout and a qualifying offer might persuade Kim to stay, especially since his friend Jurickson Profar is under contract with Atlanta through 2028 and even changed his number to accommodate Kim.
If Kim leaves, the Braves could turn to Dubón. While Alex Anthopoulos is confident in Dubón's defensive abilities, his offensive decline is concerning. Since 2023, his OPS+ has dropped from 97 to 78. Here's the real question: Can Dubón's versatility—he's played every position except catcher and won two utility Gold Gloves—offset his offensive shortcomings? Or would relying on him as the primary shortstop lead to overworking the everyday starters?
Beyond Kim and Dubón, the free agent market for shortstops in 2027 is thin. J.P. Crawford and Amed Rosario are the next best options, but neither compares to Kim. This scarcity might force the Braves to explore trades. Potential targets include young players like Jeremy Peña, CJ Abrams, and Zach Neto, or veterans like Corey Seager, Trevor Story, and Ezequiel Tovar. Each comes with their own set of challenges, from contract demands to injury histories.
One wild card option is Matt McLain of the Cincinnati Reds. A former shortstop moved to second base, McLain has shown defensive prowess but struggled offensively due to injuries. If he rebounds in 2026, the Reds might trade him before his arbitration years. However, acquiring him would likely require a significant package, and the Braves lack outfield prospects to offer.
Internal options like John Gil, Alex Lodise, and Cody Miller are unlikely to be ready by 2027, given the Braves' cautious approach with hitting prospects. So, what's the best move? Should the Braves extend Kim now, gamble on Dubón, or pursue a trade? The answer will shape their competitive window for years to come. And with the next CBA negotiations looming, the stakes are higher than ever. What do you think? Is there a clear path forward, or is this a dilemma with no easy solution? Let's discuss in the comments!
