As we edge toward the offseason, the Atlanta Braves find themselves staring down a checklist that’s longer than they expected. And according to MLB insider Jeff Passan—who recently broke it down on 680 The Fan—it’s not just about plugging a few holes. Atlanta has some real decisions to make in three key areas: shortstop, the starting rotation, and the bullpen.
Shortstop: Defensive Gold, Offensive Lead Weight
Let’s start with shortstop. Nick Allen has handled the spot with the kind of defense that makes infield coaches smile. But the bat has not been great. Through 111 games, he’s slashing .223 with a .544 OPS. No homers. Just 19 RBIs. If you’re trying to win championships, that doesn’t cut it—even with a glove made of platinum.
It’s become pretty clear that unless Allen suddenly finds a power stroke in September, the Braves will have to look outside the organization for a serious upgrade. And yes, there’s always talk of maybe shifting someone like Nacho Alvarez Jr. into the middle infield—but most eyes are locked on shortstop for a big move.
Braves Rotation: From Strength to Scramble Mode
Now let’s talk starting pitching. The rotation was a machine in 2024, third in ERA league-wide. But this season they’ve dropped to 23rd, and it’s not hard to see why. Charlie Morton’s innings disappeared. Max Fried is also gone. Most of the rotation is currently injured. And while Chris Sale has been solid, relying on his health long-term is risky business.
Passan pointed out that a dependable, veteran free agent starter would “go a long way.” Translation is to get someone who can take the ball every five days and eat innings without imploding. Right now, Atlanta doesn’t have that guy. And in October, not having that guy could mean a short series and a long winter.
Bullpen: Patchwork Isn’t a Plan
Then there’s the bullpen. What once was a dependable safety net has become an adventure. The ERA has jumped from 3.32 to 4.01, and while some arms—like Daysbel Hernandez and Dylan Lee—have held up, others haven’t. It’s been waiver wire roulette at times, and that’s not how you build a playoff-caliber bullpen.
Raisel Iglesias has returned to form, but he’s a pending free agent. Joe Jimenez is coming back, which helps, but one solid reliever does not a bullpen make. The Braves need reliability out there. Someone who can close the door without loading the bases first.
Big Moves For the Braves or Big Regrets?
The Braves don’t need to tear it down. But they do need to make a choice: run it back with band-aids and hope again for health, or go out and make real moves. Shortstop, starter, and bullpen aren’t luxury upgrades anymore—they’re necessities.
The core is still there. The talent pipeline still flows. But the window for this Braves team doesn’t stay open forever. If they want to stay in the title conversation, this offseason has to be about action, not optimism.
