The Atlanta Braves are heading into the offseason with many questions to be answered, but nothing can be fully resolved until the managerial opening is filled. After that, the Braves will need to find a solution regarding Ha-Seong Kim, who could potentially put Atlanta in a difficult position.
“Because of this thin market, that would incentivise Kim to test the market. For that same reason, it’s even more important that the Braves find a way to retain his services,” wrote SI’s Harrison Smajovits. “If he opts out and signs elsewhere, they could be back to square one with this dilemma. The offense has had its struggles as is, and they have, at least for now, figured out one of the issues.”
A Braves insider recently revealed that Kim is likely going to opt out of his contract, meaning he will become a free agent.
“Kim is expected to decline his $16 million option for the 2026 season and become a commodity on what will be a thin free-agent market for shortstops,” Mark Bowman wrote.
While many believe it is Kim or bust for the Braves, they could actually trade for Jordan Lawlar of the Diamondbacks.
“Yes, it is true that the shortstop free agent market isn’t great, but there could be trade targets that fit the bill for Atlanta with the Diamondbacks’ Jordan Lawlar being one intriguing option,” HTHB’s Eric Cole wrote. “Kim is not the Braves’ only option this offseason, although it is still true that he may be the best one.”
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Acquiring Lawlar in a trade would be a bold move. The young prospect is full of talent that the Braves could definitely use. Not only would it help in the present, but it could also be a valuable move for the future.
If things go as planned, the trade could be more beneficial than signing Kim for three or four more years. Lawlar has no room in Arizona to be an everyday player, so this potential trade does make sense.
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