The Atlanta Braves are at a critical juncture this offseason, needing to make some big moves if they want to contend for a stronger 2025. Former Braves outfielder and current broadcaster Jeff Francoeur has weighed in with some specific advice, and he’s not pulling any punches. In a recent appearance on Foul Territory, Francoeur emphasized the need for an elite shortstop to give the team an offensive edge.
“You gotta get an elite shortstop, whether it’s Bo Bichette or Willy Adames,” Francoeur said. “You gotta get someone who’s got power at that position.” And he’s right. Adding a powerful bat at shortstop could turn Atlanta’s lineup into a powerhouse, as long as the team stays healthy—a big “if” after a season where key players like Ronald Acuña Jr., Austin Riley, Michael Harris II, and Spencer Strider all missed significant time due to injuries.
Injuries were a significant factor in the Braves’ struggles last season, but one position remained consistently healthy while offering little production: shortstop. Though strong defensively, Orlando Arcia was statistically one of the worst hitters in key moments. With runners in scoring position in 2024, Arcia slashed an abysmal .155/.228/.172, the lowest in the majors among qualified hitters. When other guys are on the injured list, the healthy players need to step up—and Arcia’s bat simply didn’t cut it.
Arcia’s defensive skills kept him in the lineup, but when you compare him to guys like Bichette and Adames, it’s clear what Jeff Francoeur is driving at. Both Bichette and Adames offer solid defense but also bring serious pop to the plate. And that’s what the Braves need if they want to have one of the deepest and most threatening lineups in baseball.
Francoeur acknowledges the Braves might have other gaps to fill, particularly with starting pitchers Max Fried and Charlie Morton hitting free agency. Both players are pivotal to the team’s rotation, and their potential departures could be seen as major losses. But Francoeur isn’t too concerned about the pitching. He believes the Braves have enough depth to weather those storms.
“You can sit there and say pitching,” Francoeur explained. “But you’re gonna have [Reynaldo] Lopez. You’re gonna have [Chris] Sale. You’re gonna have [Spencer] Strider, and you’re gonna have Spencer Schwellenbach. Maybe you go get a guy for $8, $9 million, but you don’t need to go get a top-of-the-line guy.”
The bullpen, too, is a point of optimism for Jeff Francoeur. He only suggested that the Braves might need to pick up a left-handed reliever if A.J. Minter doesn’t return, but that’s not the top priority. What should be taking center stage is getting that big bat at shortstop.
If Atlanta follows Francoeur’s advice and lands a power-hitting shortstop, the Braves could be in a prime position to dominate the National League again in 2025. With a deep lineup and a solid rotation, the team just might be able to leave the injury woes of 2024 behind and make a serious push for another World Series run.
