Filling the void at shortstop will be one of the top priorities for the Atlanta Braves in the 2025-2026 offseason. 2025 has been a season plagued by injuries and underperformance for the Braves, with them also getting just about nothing offensively from the shortstop position all season.
The recent acquisition of Ha-Seong Kim via a waiver claim offers a potential solution, though his status for 2026 is far from certain. As the Braves assess their options, they must weigh the proven commodity in Kim against other alternatives, including pursuing high-profile free agents, orchestrating a trade, or promoting a prospect from within their own system.
2026 Shortstop Options for the Braves
The Ha-Seong Kim Gamble
The most direct path to a starting shortstop for the 2026 season was carved out when the Braves claimed Kim from the Tampa Bay Rays in early September 2025. The waiver claim was an opportunistic, low-risk move by President of Baseball Operations Alex Anthopoulos. Kim’s contract includes a $16 million player option for 2026. Having struggled through an injury-plagued 2025, it is considered likely that Kim will exercise this option, giving the Braves a proven glove at shortstop for at least one year.
In 2023 with the San Diego Padres, Kim was a legitimate two-way star, winning the NL Utility Gold Glove and posting a strong offensive season. However, shoulder surgery in 2024 and subsequent injuries in 2025 hampered his production, leading to his availability. While his bat slipped after the injuries, his defensive prowess remains a significant asset, and he offers a substantial upgrade over the offensive production provided by Nick Allen.
The uncertainty lies in how well Kim performs in the final month of the 2025 season. If he regains his 2023 form, he could potentially decline his 2026 option and seek a more lucrative long-term deal on the open market, though this is considered unlikely. Given Kim’s representation by high-profile agent Scott Boras, anything is possible, but the Braves are hoping his modest performance in 2025 secures his return for 2026.
Top-Tier Free-Agent Pursuit: Bo Bichette
Before claiming Kim, the consensus among many fans and analysts was that the Braves would target a top-tier free-agent shortstop. The most prominent name is Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette, who is projected to be the best available player at the position.
Bichette offers a potent offensive profile, providing the kind of offensive spark the Braves’ lineup has lacked at the shortstop position for all of 2025. In 2025, Bichette has put up strong numbers, reminding everyone of his elite bat-to-ball skills and power potential. While his defense has faced scrutiny, particularly compared to a player like Kim, his offensive upside is undeniable.
However, the pursuit of Bichette presents several significant obstacles. The Braves may have salary space if they decide to move on from Marcell Ozuna, but they are often reluctant to commit to massive, long-term deals, especially with the high luxury tax thresholds approaching. A bidding war for Bichette would likely drive his price to a level the Braves are uncomfortable with. If Kim exercises his option, it is very unlikely that the Braves would even attempt to pursue a long-term contract with Bichette.
“Bridge” Players
If Kim opts out or if the Braves feel his $16 million price tag is too high, the trade market offers another avenue. Anthopoulos is known for his creative trades, and several veteran shortstops could be available as “bridge” players.
J.P. Crawford of the Seattle Mariners was a trade candidate in early 2025. Crawford’s offensive potential and team-friendly contract makes him an attractive option for Atlanta. Willi Castro of the Chicago Cubs is a versatile infielder who can handle the position. Castro is a free agent in 2026, but still an intriguing option if Atlanta likes the price. Isiah Kiner-Falefa is another free agent in 2026 and is a defensive asset who offers a more modest offensive impact, fitting the profile of a short-term fix.
This path aligns with the Braves’ strategy of acquiring short-term upgrades while they develop their own talent. A trade would require parting with prospects, a resource the Braves have been careful with in recent years, so it seems likely that they would focus on free agency over looking for trade partners.
The Dark-Horse Prospect: Jim Jarvis
While signing a big-name free agent or trading for a veteran is the most likely path if Kim leaves, the Braves are also developing their own shortstops in the minors. Jim Jarvis, acquired from the Detroit Tigers at the 2025 trade deadline, is a promising prospect who has rapidly ascended the ranks.
Jarvis is a high-contact, defensive-minded infielder who lacks significant power. After excelling in Double-A and earning a promotion to Triple-A, he could be a dark-horse candidate for the shortstop job as soon as Spring Training 2026. The Braves have a history of promoting players from their system when a need arises, and a strong spring performance could give Jarvis a shot at the opening-day roster.
However, banking on a prospect to fill a starting role is always a risk. Jarvis is more likely to serve as a high-upside bench piece in 2026, or even stay down in the minors to gain more experience if Atlanta chooses to be patient with his development.
Final Thoughts
The Braves’ 2026 shortstop situation hinges heavily on Kim’s $16 million player option. If he opts in, he likely provides a reliable, Gold Glove-caliber defender at a reasonable price, giving Atlanta a high-floor solution. If he opts out, the Braves will have several avenues to explore. While a blockbuster signing like Bichette is appealing, it may conflict with the team’s long-term financial strategy.
The more likely alternative would be the addition of a solid veteran “bridge” player or an internal promotion of a prospect like Jarvis, with the Kim acquisition giving the Braves a fallback option to avoid overpaying in a thin free-agent market. The final piece of the puzzle will likely fall into place shortly after the World Series, offering clarity on the Braves’ middle infield for 2026.
Main Image: David Banks-Imagn Images
