The Atlanta Braves could be heading toward another offseason search for stability at shortstop.
Ha-Seong Kim has struggled through one of the worst offensive seasons imaginable, while Mauricio Dubón may be better suited to a utility role than as an everyday infielder. With both players set to become free agents after the season, Atlanta’s front office should prioritize finding a dependable long-term option up the middle.
According to Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter, the Braves could turn their attention to a former Gold Glove shortstop from the American League West.
Reuter believes Atlanta will explore a more affordable free-agent solution rather than spending heavily to acquire a star through a trade.
“The Braves have patched together the shortstop position with a combination of Mauricio Dubón, Ha-Seong Kim and Jim Jarvis. With both Dubón and Kim headed to free agency, that won’t be a viable option in 2027,” Reuter wrote.
“There is always the possibility of a splash to acquire someone like Zach Neto, but a reasonable free-agent deal for J.P. Crawford feels much more on brand.”
Neto would represent the more exciting option, but acquiring him from the Los Angeles Angels would likely require the Braves to surrender a significant amount of prospect capital. Crawford, meanwhile, is older but could be available at a much lower cost.
Crawford’s five-year, $51 million contract with the Seattle Mariners expires at the end of the season, making him a potential free agent for Atlanta to pursue.
The 31-year-old has posted a .219/.341/.338 batting line with 10 home runs and a .679 OPS across 102 games. Those numbers are hardly inspiring, but the Braves could view his experience as an upgrade over the offensive production they have received from Kim and Jarvis.
Defensively, Crawford’s recent struggles remain a concern. Still, Atlanta could be willing to overlook some of those shortcomings if it means adding a veteran shortstop capable of taking over the position on an everyday basis.