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 now we have some commitments to guys we like. However if you wish to add a bat, the one space the place you could possibly achieve this is clearly at shortstop.
“Nevertheless it’s sort of the identical factor with all the things you do, you need it to be an influence addition, proper? It’s tougher 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 method, if there’s a match.”
Except you’re prepared 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 finest seasons of his profession (2022 and ’23). Although he’s a succesful defender, it’s price 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 price giving Kim a one-, two- or three-year take care of a median annual worth north of $16 million? Dubón’s defensive metrics point out he could possibly 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 at the very least $10 million. This added monetary flexibility could possibly be used to handle one of many group’s different wants. There’s a want so as to add a beginning pitcher and presumably 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 can be wanted if the Braves re-signed Kim to be their shortstop. However they might positively want so as to add one other hitter in the event that they determine to present Dubón the on a regular basis job.
As issues presently stand, the primary 4 batters within the Braves’ lineup can be:
1. LF Jurickson Profar
2. 1B Matt Olson
3. RF Ronald Acuña Jr.
4. 3B Austin Riley
A wholesome Riley might 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 ultimate 5 spots.
Anthopoulos has stated he doesn’t plan to make use of an on a regular basis DH in 2026. This can enable Baldwin to DH when he’s not catching. It should additionally enable Olson, Riley, Acuña and others to position much less stress on their legs after they sometimes fill the function.
Who else might the Braves depend 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 middle fielder produced the sport’s worst OPS via final season’s first half and nonetheless had a 20-homer, 20-stolen base season.
Ozzie Albies’ struggles this previous season might have been a lingering impact from the fractured left wrist he suffered in 2024. The second baseman won’t 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 huge 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 effectively,” Anthopoulos stated. “However the medical doctors 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 need to ensure that all the things heals appropriately and so forth.”
If Murphy, Riley and Albies can get again to the place they had been after they had been every All-Stars in 2023, the Braves might have a deep lineup. However by including Kim or presumably a flexible outfielder who’s an above-average hitter, there can be motive to really feel higher about this lineup’s potential.
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