Everyone knows that the Atlanta Braves' top priority right now, other than replacing Brian Snitker, is installing a permanent fix to their roster at shortstop. Ever since Orlando Arcia fell off a cliff, the Braves have got little production out of the position until they ultimately decided to claim Ha-Seong Kim off waivers late in the 2025 season.
Unfortunately, Kim playing well has had the unfortunate side effect of making it less likely that he would exercise his player option. While such a move would come with some risk given his recent injury history, there is a real argument that Kim has now proven he is fully healthy and again one of the top shortstops in baseball especially when you factor in his defense. At least, that is what Kim's agent, Scott Boras, is extremely likely to argue this offseason.
According to a recent piece from Braves insider Mark Bowman, the Kim decision looms very large in the Braves' plans. He goes on to argue that Atlanta may have no choice than to deal with Boras regardless of how outlandish his demands, although that feels like a bit of a stretch.
Braves insider thinks that dealing with Scott Boras and Ha-Seong Kim is unavoidable, but there are other options
Bowman does make an important point that we have been harping on for a while. Not only is the shortstop market very shallow this offseason, but two of the top names at the position are anything but sure things. Trevor Story had a great season, but he has dealt with some severe injury issues the last couple of years and there is a good chance that he will just stay with the Red Sox. As popular as Bo Bichette is likely to be in free agency, he is actively bad on defense, is going to be rather expensive for what he is, and his knee injury raises yet another red flag for would-be suitors.
As a result, Bowman argues that even though it is true that the Braves don't deal with Boras for the most part, Kim may be the only option at shortstop that Atlanta should actively go after. Again, the Braves need a real shortstop and it is hard to argue too much with the idea that the front office would be crazy to not at least try to bring Kim back into the fold on a multi-year deal even if the terms wouldn't be ideal given Boras' involvement.
However, that doesn't have to be the Braves' only option this offseason. Yes, it is true that the shortstop free agent market isn't great, but there could be trade targets that fit the bill for Atlanta with the Diamondbacks' Jordan Lawlar being one intriguing option. Failing that, there are several other top 100 prospects who are both shortstops and relatively close to the majors that Atlanta could target as long-term shortstop solutions. Kim is not the Braves' only option this offseason, although it is still true that he may be the best one.