The Braves find themselves at a crossroads this offseason after a season that went sideways in almost every way imaginable. Their biggest priority? Finding a long-term answer at shortstop.
Bo Bichette keeps getting mentioned as a potential target, but that’s looking like a move Atlanta should avoid at all costs. The 27-year-old’s contract demands could approach $200 million, and the numbers don’t add up when you factor in his defensive limitations.
“The guy can flat out hit for sure, but he dealt with injuries this season and his defensive shortcomings blunt the benefits of his bat. Between the cost and being a net negative on defense, signing Bichette would likely be a big mistake from an opportunity cost perspective,” HTHB’s Eric Cole wrote.
That’s where Ha-Seong Kim comes in. He’s Atlanta’s primary target, but here’s the problem – if Kim decides to test free agency, the Braves could find themselves in a world of hurt.
The shortstop market is thin this winter. Really thin. That creates a perfect storm for Atlanta in the worst possible way.
Braves insider Mark Bowman put it this way: “A weak free-agent market for shortstops serves as a double whammy for the Braves. This gives Kim reason to test free agency, and it obviously limits Atlanta’s fallback options if he ends up signing with another team.”
It’s a hugely consequential decision that Kim will make on his player option. If he opts out and walks, Atlanta’s back to square one with limited alternatives.
SI’s Harrison Smajovits sees the writing on the wall: “Because of this thin market, that would incentivise Kim to test the market. For that same reason, it’s even more important that the Braves find a way to retain his services.”
The offense already struggled enough last season. Losing Kim without a clear replacement would only make things worse.
From where I’m sitting, this entire offseason hinges on what Kim decides to do. If Atlanta can lock him up early with an extension, they avoid the chaos of free agency altogether.
But if Kim hits the open market? The Braves better have a backup plan, because the alternatives aren’t pretty. The smart move is to eliminate the uncertainty before it starts.
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