The Braves have shown strong interest in former Brewers shortstop Willy Adames throughout the offseason, viewing him as the top shortstop option on the market. Ever since Dansby Swanson left in free agency, Alex Anthopoulos has been actively seeking a long-term replacement for the position.
However, competition is fierce, and the bidding war may already be slipping out of the Braves’ reach. As reported by Mike Rodriguez, the New York Mets have put forth a substantial seven-year offer exceeding $160 million, aiming to bring Adames over to play third base. Additionally, the Los Angeles Dodgers have also extended an offer, making two powerhouse franchises with significantly larger budgets contenders for Adames.
This puts the Braves in a challenging position, as their needs extend beyond just shortstop, and committing to a massive contract may not align with their broader plans. If the Mets or Dodgers secure Adames, he could be one of the first high-profile free agents to come off the board this offseason. As a result, Atlanta might have to look elsewhere, and Ha-Seong Kim is an intriguing alternative. Kim, one of the only other starting-quality shortstops on the market, might be a viable option for the Braves. While he won’t be ready for Opening Day due to a shoulder surgery in September, his potential short-term contract could still make him a valuable fit.
