It seems the Atlanta Braves cannot escape major injuries, with a loss of key contributors defining each of the past two seasons. Now, Ha-Seong Kim has been ruled out for the first months of the 2026 season due to a hand injury. The shortstop was one of the team's offseason additions and expected to bring stability to the bottom of the order and to Atlanta's infield. The franchise is now forced to attempt to find another answer capable of stepping into the starting lineup.
With this in mind, let's examine the trade and free agent markets, as well as identify any in-house options to consider what potential answers the Braves could explore over the next few weeks of the offseason. That discussion begins with the obvious answer, which would greatly hurt the team's bench depth.
1. Maurico Dubon
Dubon was supposed to be the answer to questionable bench depth and a great glove you can turn to in the late innings. Taking Dubon off the bench and putting him into the starting roster instantly takes him out of the unit and leaves a clear roster spot up for grabs. Still, it is the easy answer, and the career .257 hitter does offer a bit of upside in the lineup, even if it doesn't match that of Kim. If the Braves don't want to spend any further at the position, Dubon is going to be their answer.
2. Luisangel Acuña
If the New York Mets are willing to trade the infielder within the division, this is by far the best answer. You're making the move to bring in your best player's brother and fixing the biggest positional concern at the same time. For the Mets, a deal is needed after signing Bo Bichette and creating an extremely crowded infield. This is simply a question as to whether or not the 23-year-old shortstop is considered the odd-man-out, and if New York would trade him within the division. A question the Braves should be actively working to find the answer to.
3. Tim Anderson
Based on his past three seasons of struggles, the former division rival could likely be signed for very little. Anderson barely hit above the Mendoza line each of the past two years and has not been the power source he was previously in his career. However, it must be noted that the infielder hit .300 or above from 2019 to the 2022 season and was a consistent contributor to the Chicago White Sox offense. If the Braves are going to bargain shop, it makes sense to take a flyer on Anderson and see what the veteran looks like in spring training.
4. Jurickson Profar
Profar hasn't played shortstop since the 2016 season and very likely would be a defensive liability. However, it is an outside-the-box option to allow the infielder reps and see if there is any hope of turning him into a viable starter for the first weeks of the season. Signing outfielder Mike Yastrzemski gives Atlanta a clear replacement option in left field, and if anything, the lineup would be a touch better. It is at least worth a conversation, even if Profar doesn't prove to be a viable option.
5. CJ Abrams
Another division rival that makes sense as a possible trade option and would be the perfect addition to Atlanta's infield. The only downside here is that Abrams is talented enough that the veteran could easily make it difficult to put Kim back into the starting lineup. Still, it is a trade worth at least exploring, seeing if the Washington Nationals are interested in parting ways with the veteran infielder.
6. Brendan Donovan
It makes sense that the St. Louis Cardinals would consider trading the infielder after parting ways with Nolan Arenado earlier in the offseason. The Cardinals are entering a reset, and Donovan doesn't fit the new timeline of contention, opening the door to a possible trade. For the Braves, Donovan is a solid offensive addition, hitting .287 last season and having the ability to play all around the infield. It makes sense to explore the addition and would continue to push the franchise towards World Series contention.
7. Nacho Alvarez
The Braves have given Alvarez an opportunity each of the past two seasons, and the infielder has failed to live up to expectations. Still, the shortstop is only 22 and has given every reason in the minor leagues to believe in his offensive upside. Atlanta could provide the shortstop one last shot at winning a starting role in hopes of finding a surprise contributor without having to take on additional salary.