By most accounts, the Atlanta Braves just addressed their shortstop situation with their surprise move to claim Ha-Seong Kim off of waivers. Instead of having to wade into free agency where prices are going to be insane for competent shortstops, Atlanta snagged Kim with the knowledge that his injury history and lack of production this year means it is extremely likely he exercises his player option for 2026.
When you think about it, it was an incredibly clever maneuver for the Braves to act on Kim when they did. However, despite the fact that the Braves just made the move a day ago, ESPN's Buster Olney still seems to think that Atlanta could be in play for another potential free agent shortstop in Trevor Story.
Buster Olney suggests the Braves could target Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story this offseason, if he becomes available. What do we think, Braves Country? 👀 pic.twitter.com/JRjmfBFNxF
— 680 The Fan (@680TheFan) September 2, 2025
Buster Olney's suggestion that Braves could pursue Trevor Story this offseason is very silly...with one exception
Now, the above clip from Olney certainly comes across as a guy that forgot that Atlanta just claimed Kim and who just wanted to talk about Story's potential free agency. Story has been admittedly awesome in 2025 after injuries robbed him of most of the last three seasons. In 135 games this season, he is slashing .260/.307/.437 and has already secured a 20/20 season.
However, his excellence this season is precisely why it is unlikely that he will even hit the free agent market. Yes, Boston has a well-earned reputation for being cheap, but they also are in the middle of their competitive window and have remained in the hunt this year because of what Story has given them.
Even if Story does become a free agent, it is hard to envision a world where Atlanta is a real player for him. Not only did they just acquire Kim, but Story is likely to command far more money than a guy with his recent history should. Alex Anthopoulos does not like to overpay for anyone, let alone a soon-to-be 33 year-old shortstop who has missed a bunch of time lately. If they didn't want to pay Bo Bichette, they definitely won't want to write a big check for Story.
However, there's one world where the Braves may be interested in Story and that is if Kim is for sure not going to be playing for the Braves at the start of 2026. That includes if he exercises is player option or if he is so bad that Atlanta won't play him even though they owe him $16 million. In that world, the Braves could get involved...although even then, that is a stretch.