The Atlanta Braves are absolutely on the hunt for a new everyday shortstop this offseason. After a brutal showing from their $20 million infielder, this move feels less like a choice and more like a total necessity for a team with World Series aspirations.
The Kim Conundrum: A $20 Million Nightmare
Remember Ha-Seong Kim? Just three seasons ago, the guy was a force, cranking 17 home runs, putting up a 107 OPS+, and a career-high 5.4 bWAR for the San Diego Padres. That’s the player Atlanta thought they were getting when they dropped a cool one-year, $20 million contract on him last offseason. But man, what a difference a few seasons make. Kim was injured for most of the year, limping to a ghastly .116 batting average and a .359 OPS in just 51 games. Ouch. Injuries are no joke, and they clearly played a role in his struggles, but it’s tough to see him landing another Major League deal this winter after that kind of performance. FanSided’s Zachary Rotman absolutely nailed it, saying, “Replacing that guy should be a no-brainer, and with Jim Jarvis as their best internal option under contract, that replacement should come externally, whether that’s in free agency or via trade.” Talk about blunt, but he’s not wrong.
Who Steps Up? Atlanta’s Shortstop Search Is On
So, if Kim is out, who’s in? The Braves have some internal options, but none seem like the slam-dunk answer for a team chasing a championship. Mauricio Dubon could be re-signed, but the club probably prefers him in a utility role, not as the everyday guy. Right now, Jim Jarvis is Atlanta’s top internal candidate for the middle infield spot. But for a team with genuine World Series dreams, relying solely on an internal option might not cut it. That means the front office is likely looking outside the organization. Free agent shortstops like J.P. Crawford and Isiah Kiner-Falefa are definitely on their radar, alongside Dubon, as they try to piece together a championship roster. This isn’t just about filling a spot, it’s about finding the right piece to anchor that infield and get them over the hump.
This whole situation makes the offseason absolutely crucial for Atlanta. They have to make the right move at shortstop to solidify their chances, because another season with a hole there? That’s just not an option for a team expecting to go all the way.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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