Alex Anthopoulos has made it clear that the Braves would like shortstop Ha-Seong Kim back in 2026. But as the saying goes, it takes two to tango — and Kim appears ready to test the market.
According to Mark Bowman of MLB.com, Kim is likely to opt out of his $16 million player option for next season, making him one of the more intriguing shortstops in a thin free-agent class. That decision could leave Atlanta facing a major offseason question with few clear answers.
The Braves could attempt to extend Kim before he reaches free agency, but as a Scott Boras client, that path is rarely straightforward. If Kim walks, shortstop immediately becomes Anthopoulos’ top winter priority.
Blockbuster trade ideas
Braves broadcaster C.J. Nitkowski recently mentioned several potential trade names that could shake up the baseball world if Atlanta decides to get aggressive this winter:
Braves Shortstop Targets:
– Ha-Seong Kim (player option)
– Corey Seager (trade candidate)
– Jeremy Peña (trade candidate)
– Ezequiel Tovar (trade candidate)
– Trevor Story (potential free agent)
– Josh Smith (trade candidate)
– Taylor Walls (trade candidate)
Let’s break down how each could fit — or not — in Atlanta’s 2026 plans.
Corey Seager: A moonshot idea, but not impossible
Seager is the biggest name on the list and arguably the best shortstop in baseball today. The Rangers may need to shed payroll this winter after back-to-back heavy spending seasons, which could make Seager’s $31.5 million annual salary through 2031 a trade chip rather than a cornerstone.
Since signing his 10-year, $325 million deal in 2022, Seager has been worth 22.1 WAR (FanGraphs) and made three All-Star teams — production that more than justifies his cost.
It’s not Anthopoulos’ usual style to take on that kind of long-term financial risk, but pairing Seager with Atlanta’s existing core would transform the Braves’ infield into one of the league’s best overnight.
Jeremy Peña: The Astros’ curveball option
Peña’s breakout 2025 season — hitting over .300 with an .840 OPS — has made him one of Houston’s most valuable players. On paper, the Astros have no reason to move him, but Nitkowski notes a few wrinkles.
Houston re-acquired Carlos Correa at the trade deadline, potentially pushing Peña to the trade market if they plan to move Correa back to shortstop. The Astros have also been known to sell high on emerging players before they reach arbitration peak value — and Peña, under team control through 2028, fits that mold.
For the Braves, landing Peña would likely mean parting with major-league pieces or top prospects — a price Anthopoulos has been willing to pay in the right scenario.
Ezequiel Tovar: Gold Glove upside, long-term control
The Rockies’ Ezequiel Tovar remains one of the premier young defenders in baseball. A Gold Glove shortstop with emerging power, Tovar owns a career .720 OPS and is signed through 2031 for just $43 million guaranteed, with a $23 million club option for the final year.
Given Colorado’s rebuilding timeline, a trade seems unlikely this winter — but as Nitkowski hinted, the Braves could revisit the idea later if the Rockies start to move their young core.
Trevor Story: A familiar fit if he hits the market
If Trevor Story chooses to opt out of his contract with the Red Sox, he’d instantly become one of the top shortstops available. Buster Olney of ESPN recently linked Story to Atlanta as a potential target.
The 32-year-old posted 3.8 WAR with 25 home runs for Boston this season and has an opt-out clause after the 2025 campaign. The Red Sox can override it by adding an extra year and $25 million, but if Story hits free agency, he’d represent a more affordable and familiar option for Atlanta’s front office — particularly given his defensive pedigree and power profile that aligns with Truist Park.
The bottom line
If Ha-Seong Kim opts out, the Braves’ shortstop question becomes one of the defining stories of their offseason. Anthopoulos rarely tips his hand, but recent chatter around Seager, Peña, and Story suggests he’s already exploring all scenarios — from bold trades to veteran stopgaps.
With Atlanta’s championship window wide open, expect the Braves to prioritize stability at shortstop, even if it means a splashier move than usual from their president of baseball operations.
