The Atlanta Braves will likely be searching for a new everyday shortstop this offseason.
They could re-sign Mauricio Dubon and have him play shortstop, but the NL East club would probably prefer to use him in a utility role.
At the moment, Jim Jarvis is Atlanta’s top candidate at the middle infield spot. For a team with World Series aspirations, the Braves might need more.
It’s safe to say the Braves won’t be interested in a reunion with Ha-Seong Kim, who hit .116 with a .359 OPS in 51 games.
“Replacing that guy should be a no-brainer, and with Jim Jarvis as their best internal option under contract, that replacement should come externally, whether that’s in free agency or via trade,” FanSided’s Zachary Rotman wrote.
Kim was injured for most of the year after signing a one-year, $20 million contract last offseason.
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Just three seasons ago, he hit 17 home runs and had a 107 OPS+ and a career-high 5.4 bWAR with the San Diego Padres.
Injuries have played a role in Kim’s ineffectiveness over the last few seasons, but it’s hard to imagine he will secure a Major League deal this winter.
As for the Braves, free agent shortstops like J.P. Crawford and Isiah Kiner-Falefa, along with Dubon, could be options.
