ORLANDO, Fla. — When analyzing how they may enhance their offense, the Braves need to proceed debating whether or not Mauricio Dubón needs to be used as a flexible utility participant or function their on a regular basis shortstop.
“There’s some issues we’ve explored when it comes to bats,” Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos stated. “It’s not the cleanest of suits, as a result of we’ve some commitments to guys we like. However if you wish to add a bat, the one space the place you can accomplish that is clearly at shortstop.
“But it surely’s sort of the identical factor with the whole lot you do, you need it to be an influence addition, proper? It’s more durable to seek out that on the shortstop place. There’s some guys at different spots, however like I stated, it’s not the cleanest match for us. That doesn’t imply we’re not brainstorming and looking for a manner, if there’s a match.”
Until you’re keen to miss Bo Bichette’s defensive limitations, Ha-Seong Kim is the closest factor to an influence choice amongst free-agent shortstops. Kim is clearly searching for greater than the $16 million wage he handed on when he declined his 2026 choice in November.
Kim was a barely higher than common (106 OPS+) offensive participant over the course of the 2 greatest seasons of his profession (2022 and ’23). Although he’s a succesful defender, it’s value noting he primarily performed second base when he received his solely Gold Glove Award in 2023. And the 30-year-old infielder is coming off two injury-marred seasons.
So, is it value giving Kim a one-, two- or three-year cope with a median annual worth north of $16 million? Dubón’s defensive metrics point out he may very well be a reliable shortstop, however he has by no means made greater than 24 begins on the place.
By going with Dubón, the Braves would save not less than $10 million. This added monetary flexibility may very well be used to deal with one of many group’s different wants. There’s a want so as to add a beginning pitcher and probably a high-leverage reliever, particularly with Joe Jiménez’s availability unsure.
However by going this route, the Braves would additionally create one other want. It’s debatable whether or not one other bat could be wanted if the Braves re-signed Kim to be their shortstop. However they might undoubtedly want so as to add one other hitter in the event that they resolve to provide Dubón the on a regular basis job.
As issues presently stand, the primary 4 batters within the Braves’ lineup could be:
1. LF Jurickson Profar2. 1B Matt Olson3. RF Ronald Acuña Jr.4. 3B Austin Riley
A wholesome Riley may return to being the annual 30-home run hitter he was earlier than accidents tarnished his previous two seasons. So, the highest of the lineup has the potential to be robust. However past Drake Baldwin, uncertainty surrounds the lineup’s last 5 spots.
Anthopoulos has stated he doesn’t plan to make use of an on a regular basis DH in 2026. It will permit Baldwin to DH when he’s not catching. It would additionally permit Olson, Riley, Acuña and others to put much less stress on their legs once they sometimes fill the function.
Who else may the Braves rely upon to deepen their lineup? Properly, Michael Harris II is definitely able to being a celebrity if he ever places a full season collectively. The 24-year-old heart fielder produced the sport’s worst OPS by final season’s first half and nonetheless had a 20-homer, 20-stolen base season.
Ozzie Albies’ struggles this previous season may have been a lingering impact from the fractured left wrist he suffered in 2024. The second baseman may not have any extra 30-homer seasons left in him. However he had a 20-homer tempo throughout this previous season’s second half.
One other massive query mark is Sean Murphy, who underwent proper hip surgical procedure in September. The Braves are hoping to get a greater really feel for his progress in January.
“I’ve spoken to [Murphy] and he is doing properly,” Anthopoulos stated. “However the docs instructed us there’s going to be moments the place he is like, ‘I really feel nice. I am able to go and all that.’ However you continue to wish to make it possible for the whole lot heals accurately and so forth.”
If Murphy, Riley and Albies can get again to the place they have been once they have been every All-Stars in 2023, the Braves may have a deep lineup. However by including Kim or probably a flexible outfielder who’s an above-average hitter, there could be purpose to really feel higher about this lineup’s potential.
