Shortstop is a sore spot for the Atlanta Braves right now. Defensively, Nick Allen has held it down admirably, but the bat just isn’t keeping pace. And if the Braves want to stay contenders deep into October, they know they’ll need more offensive firepower coming from the heart of the infield.
That fix won’t happen overnight, but Atlanta didn’t wait around this weekend. They made it loud and clear in the 2025 MLB Draft: the shortstop position will be addressed — and then some.
Braves Draft Shortstop in 2nd Round
First came prep standout Tate Southisene, a high-upside prospect out of high school who’s got the Braves front office buzzing. But Southisene is going to need time. He’s got the tools, but he’s young, raw, and won’t be ready to wear a Braves jersey for a few years. So what did Atlanta do next?
They pounced. With the 60th overall pick, the Braves scooped up one of the biggest names still on the board: Florida State star Alex Lodise, a Golden Spikes finalist and a guy who was projected to go much earlier. This wasn’t just a good pick — this could be a flat-out steal.
Lodise Brings the Firepower Atlanta’s Been Missing
Lodise had an incredible season at FSU — he tore the cover off the ball. In 58 games, the 21-year-old slashed a jaw-dropping .394/.462/.705 with 17 homers, 18 doubles, and 68 RBI.
He walked away with just about every piece of hardware you could name: ACC Player of the Year, ACC Defensive Player of the Year, and the Dick Howser Trophy for national player of the year.
This is a guy who can hit for power, hit for average, and spray the ball to all fields. And he’s not just a one-tool wonder — Lodise brings a complete skill set. His defensive game is solid with flashes of brilliance, though like any young player, he has areas to refine.
What This Means for the Braves Right Now
Short-term, Lodise won’t be suiting up for Atlanta just yet. But unlike Southisene, he’s closer to MLB-ready and brings the kind of bat that could fast-track his journey through the minors. The Braves need impact talent at shortstop now. While Lodise won’t step in immediately, don’t be surprised if he makes a serious push by 2026 or 2027.
Atlanta’s thin at the position, yes — but they’re not panicking. They’re investing. And with Lodise in the pipeline, they might have just found the answer to one of the most glaring holes on their roster.
