The Braves have to find a long-term answer at shortstop. Even if they do end up rolling with Orlando Arcia again as the starter next year, it’s a band-aid over a bullet hole. He’s not the answer; that much we know. However, the options in free agency are limited.
Willy Adames is the gem of the free agent class, but he’s in line for a massive payday. Not only is Adames an All-Star caliber talent at one of the most important positions on the diamond, but he’s hitting free agency at the perfect time, because there might not be another starting caliber shortstop in the class if Ha-Seong Kim opts into his final year with the Padres. The demand for shortstops is high, but the supply is almost non-existent, so naturally, a bidding war will ensue for Adames’ services.
That’s not something the Braves typically get involved in, and expecting that to change this offseason is nonsensical. A more realistic avenue Alex Anthopoulos might take is through the trade market, a place he frequently visits when trying to upgrade the roster…