The Atlanta Braves were previously linked to Milwaukee Brewers free agent shortstop Willy Adames, but they’ve missed out on him as Adames has agreed to a nearly $200 million deal with the San Francisco Giants. With Adames off the table, the Braves now need to explore other options to fill the shortstop position, especially after Orlando Arcia’s struggles in 2024. While there isn’t an ideal candidate available, FanSided’s Christopher Kline has suggested a bold and unconventional option: pursuing Houston Astros free agent Alex Bregman.
Bregman is expected to sign a deal worth around four years and $119 million, though the final figure could approach $200 million. Kline acknowledged that while this move is unlikely, Bregman could be a top target for the Braves. As a two-time World Series champion with nearly a decade of postseason experience, Bregman’s credentials would make him an enticing choice for Atlanta, aiming for a championship run.
The major hurdle is that Bregman is not a shortstop, though he’s reportedly open to a position change. In Atlanta, he could play second base, with Ozzie Albies shifting to shortstop. However, committing $200 million to Bregman, who is already 30 years old, raises concerns. The Braves could face stiff competition from teams like the Astros, New York Yankees, Detroit Tigers, and New York Mets, who are likely to pursue Bregman aggressively, making it challenging for Atlanta to compete.
