The Atlanta Braves need a shortstop, plain and simple. This is no revelation—anyone watching the team last season could tell you that shoring up the middle infield is a priority. Yet, as much as Braves fans want a game-changing player, their options are still wide open.
The MLB offseason is just getting started, and a whole market of infield talent is still available, which means it’s decision time. So, while names like Willy Adames and Bo Bichette keep making the rounds, let’s dig into another possibility: Gleyber Torres.
Torres may not be the flashiest name on the list, but he brings something interesting to the table. With the New York Yankees reportedly ready to part ways with him, the Braves could jump in and potentially snag him for a reasonable price.
Here’s the thing—Torres had a bit of a down year in 2023, slashing .257/.330/.378 with just 15 home runs and 63 RBIs. His power took a noticeable dip, bringing down his numbers, but that might work in Atlanta’s favor. When a player’s production dips, their price tag often does, too, giving the Braves a chance to sign him at a bargain compared to what he might have commanded in his All-Star prime.
Historically, Torres has been more productive than his 2023 numbers suggest. Over his career, he holds a .265/.334/.441 slash line and has averaged around 20 home runs a season, though that stat is weighted by two unusual seasons—the COVID-shortened 2020 season and a recovery year in 2021. On average, he’s capable of delivering around 25 home runs per season when he’s on form. Not bad for someone who’d fill a crucial gap in Atlanta’s infield.
Torres may not be the All-Star phenom he looked like early in his career, but he’s far from a downgrade. He’s made two All-Star appearances, although his last nod came back in 2019. Since then, he’s been a bit of an enigma, often struggling to meet the potential he flashed in those first two seasons.
Still, he’s far from washed up. He’s only 27 and still has room to rebound. Plus, ESPN’s Jeff Passan believes Torres could be a “prime change-of-scenery candidate,” which means he may just need a fresh start to get back on track. And the Braves have a history of giving new life to players in need of a boost.
Sure, Torres isn’t the only option. Adames, for instance, is still on the table, but he could sign with a team willing to pay more. Bichette might stay in Toronto or get shipped elsewhere. Even Nico Hoerner from the Cubs could be a solid choice, though it’s unclear if he’ll be available. On the other hand, Torres is likely open for negotiation, and the Braves could move without spending through the roof.
At the end of the day, a new shortstop is a must for the Braves. Even with the recent acquisition of infielder Nick Allen, they’re still missing that reliable centerpiece in the infield. Gleyber Torres might not be the superstar fans are dreaming of, but he’s a viable, cost-effective option who could give the Braves a bit more power and defensive security in the middle infield. And who knows? Maybe he just needs a new team and a new city to remind him of his early All-Star potential.
