Willy Adames is suiting up for the San Francisco Giants in a hefty seven-year, $182 million deal, and it’s a moment that signals a shift in the free-agent chessboard. The Braves missed out on the hottest shortstop free agent of the offseason.
While Giants fans are popping the champagne over a revamped infield combo of Adames and Matt Chapman, Braves fans are left scratching their heads. After all, Adames wasn’t just a luxury for Atlanta — he was the ideal fix for a shortstop problem that’s been gnawing away since last season’s nightmare campaign.
So, where does Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos go from here? This isn’t a team that accepts mediocrity. This is a team built to hoist World Series trophies, not pinch pennies. While Adames might’ve been the big-ticket item on Atlanta’s wishlist, moves must still be made. Let’s dive into a few backup options that might not be as flashy but could still keep the Braves cooking in October according to Fansided.
3. Ha-Seong Kim: Defense, Speed, and Long-Term Appeal
Ha-Seong Kim has been a hot name in the rumor mill, and with good reason. Before Adames landed in San Francisco, Kim was reportedly on the Giants’ radar, but now he’s ripe for the Braves to snatch up. He may not have the power bat of Adames, but let’s talk about what Kim does offer: elite defense and speed.
Kim earned a Gold Glove and finished 14th in NL MVP voting just a couple of seasons ago. Sure, last year wasn’t his best — a .233 average with a .700 OPS — but considering he was battling through injuries, those numbers are forgivable. And let’s not forget the 22 stolen bases he swiped in limited action. Put Kim next to Austin Riley and Ozzie Albies, and you’ve got a defensive wall that pitchers would love to work behind.
Replacing Orlando Arcia’s dwindling production with Kim isn’t just a minor upgrade. It’s a strategic move that keeps the Braves fast, slick, and competitive. He might not be a headline-grabber, but Kim is the kind of glue player that helps win championships.
2. Alex Bregman: The Long Shot Worth Considering
Okay, now let’s get wild for a second. Alex Bregman. Yeah, he’s a third baseman, and Atlanta’s got the hot corner locked down with Austin Riley. But hear me out: Bregman has expressed a willingness to switch positions, and if there’s one thing the Braves know how to do, it’s get creative.
Bregman is a two-time World Series champion and an October warrior. He’s got postseason pedigree and a bat that — even in a down year — still delivered a .260 average, 26 home runs, and a reputation for clutch hitting. The logistics are tricky, sure. You’d likely be sliding Ozzie Albies back to shortstop, which isn’t ideal defensively, but the offensive potential is salivating.
Imagine a lineup featuring Riley, Albies, Bregman, and Matt Olson. That kind of firepower can light up scoreboards deep into October. Of course, Bregman’s price tag might make even the most aggressive GM gulp. He’s likely looking for something north of Adames’ $182 million deal. But if you want proven winners, sometimes you have to open the vault.
1. Bo Bichette: The Trade Wildcard for the Braves
And finally, the most intriguing option of them all: Bo Bichette. We’re talking about a trade scenario here, but the pieces could align. The Toronto Blue Jays are always busy making ambitious plans and often falling short. If Toronto can’t snag one of the offseason’s big fish they might start rethinking their core.
Bichette is just 26, with a pair of All-Star nods and two seasons of leading the AL in hits under his belt. Yes, his 2024 was brutal — a .598 OPS in just 81 games — but the talent is undeniable. If Bichette bounces back to form, he’d be an instant spark at the top of the Braves’ lineup. Imagine Bichette setting the table for Ronald Acuña Jr., Riley, and Olson. That’s a nightmare for opposing pitchers.
Toronto might balk at dealing a player of Bichette’s caliber, but if their offseason plans go sideways, Bichette could be on the block. And for the Braves, he’s a gamble worth taking.
What Will Braves GM Anthopolous Pull Off This Time?
Adames might be gone, but the Braves’ path to glory is still wide open. Anthopoulos is known for pulling rabbits out of hats, and with these options on the table, don’t expect Atlanta to sit quietly. Analysts and fans alike both know the Braves are in desperate need of upgrading the shortstop position. Orlando Arcia’s drop off in performance from the 2023 season to 2024 was far too glaring. This team isn’t here to settle. They’re here to win — and that’s what matters most.
