The Atlanta Braves finally addressed their need for a starting shortstop after bringing back Ha-Seong Kim. On Monday evening, Kim agreed on a one-year, $20 million contract for the 2026 season. This is a move that instantly improved the roster. Atlanta now has a strong core lineup to send out next year. However, fans were unsure if we would ever get to this point and if Mauricio Dubon would end up being the everyday shortstop, as plenty of teams were interested in Kim.
Fortunately, Kim decided to return to the Braves, and Dubon can now serve in a super utility role. This gives Atlanta some great depth to work with and helps them to focus on their final offseason needs.
It also helps them jump to being favorites in the NL East. Atlanta has struggled to keep up with the Mets and Phillies over the last two seasons. However, considering their offseason additions thus far, the Braves are ready for that to end.
Braves' NL East rivals fumbling this offseason has given Atlanta an opportunity that they are seizing
There is still a lot that can happen during a 162-game season, but there are reasons to believe Atlanta is the favorite to win the division. The Mets and Phillies haven't had particularly impressive offseasons to this point. New York has lost a couple of their key players including Pete Alonso and Edwin Diaz, and they've tried (sort of) to address losing them. However, it doesn't feel like their free agent additions move the needle very much.
The Phillies are in a similar situation. They did bring back DH Kyle Schwarber on a massive five-year contract. However, they still have to attempt to either bring back or replace J.T. Realmuto and Ranger Suarez if they want to even tread water.
There are rumors that the Braves may be a fit for Suarez, but he will be highly sought after. Philly still has a solid core, and Atlanta has to prove they're better. But the Braves have a better roster at this point. There's still time for the Mets and Phillies to make big splashes this offseason, however.
Right now, the Braves have a solid lineup that could look like this on Opening Day:
1. Ronald Acuna Jr., RF
2. Jurickson Profar, DH
3. Matt Olson, 1B
4. Austin Riley, 3B
5. Drake Baldwin, C
6. Ozzie Albies, 2B
7. Ha-Seong Kim, SS
8. Mike Yastrzemski, LF
9. Michael Harris II, CF
This lineup could easily be tweaked order-wise, but it's a very deep lineup if everyone is healthy. The rotation is pretty well set with Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, and Reynaldo Lopez as the core. Grant Holmes and Hurston Waldrep could round out the backend, but the team could benefit from another addition.
The same goes for the bullpen. There's a very good core of pitchers, including Aaron Bummer, Dylan Lee, Joel Payamps, Robert Suarez, and Raisel Iglesias. However, they still need to add a couple more dependable arms to complete their relief core.
Overall, Atlanta feels much more prepared for next season, and the roster appears much more prepared for a run at the division. They still have to perform on the field and stay healthy. However, they've done a great job at giving themselves a shot.