The Atlanta Braves have enjoyed stability at the shortstop position in recent years, thanks to Dansby Swanson and Orlando Arcia. However, with Swanson departing via free agency after the 2021 season, Arcia stepped up as the team’s full-time shortstop in 2022. While his defensive prowess remained top-tier, his offensive performance took a troubling turn in 2024, plummeting by over 100 points in OPS compared to his respectable .741 mark in 2023.
This downturn has left many speculating whether Atlanta will seek a significant upgrade at shortstop for 2025. Unfortunately, this offseason’s free-agent market didn’t offer many enticing options, with Willy Adames standing out as the sole marquee shortstop. Adames ultimately signed a seven-year, $182 million deal with the San Francisco Giants, leaving the Braves to face a sparse market.
Given the circumstances, it’s highly likely that Arcia will continue as Atlanta’s primary shortstop in 2025. His $2 million salary is a bargain, and his defensive contributions remain valuable. Anything he provides at the plate would be considered a bonus at this stage. The Braves also hold a cost-effective club option for Arcia in 2026, ensuring flexibility.
However, looking ahead, a much more tantalizing possibility looms: Bo Bichette.
Bo Bichette Could Be the Game-Changer Atlanta Needs
Currently anchoring the infield for the Toronto Blue Jays, Bichette has emerged as a potential trade target this offseason. According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, rival executives have hinted that the Blue Jays might entertain offers for Bichette, though the asking price is steep.
Bichette’s 2024 season was a rough patch, marred by injuries including calf strains and a broken finger that required surgery. These setbacks limited him to just 81 games, during which he posted an uncharacteristically poor .225/.277/.322 slash line with only four home runs and a 71 wRC+.
Yet, this performance is widely viewed as an outlier. Since debuting in 2019, Bichette has been among baseball’s elite middle infielders, earning two All-Star nods and consistently hitting above .290 with 20+ home runs annually, excluding his injury-riddled 2024 campaign.
The Braves’ Internal Options Are Limited
Atlanta’s internal pipeline doesn’t provide much relief. While Nacho Alvarez Jr. joined the organization as a shortstop, concerns about his range suggest he’s better suited for second base. With Ozzie Albies holding a club option after 2025, Alvarez might slot in as a second-base option should the Braves move on from Albies.
Given these factors, targeting an external solution like Bichette next offseason becomes a no-brainer. At just 28 years old heading into the 2026 season, Bichette would offer Atlanta a dynamic and much-needed upgrade at shortstop. Whether the Braves pursue him will depend on his 2025 performance and the organization’s assessment of its internal options.
For now, Braves fans can only dream of Bichette bringing his All-Star caliber talent to Atlanta and solidifying the infield for years to come.
