With the Atlanta Braves continuing to invent new 2025 lows, it is fair if fan attention has already begun to drift to the offseason. Not only does the organization need to make a myriad of upgrades, but they will also benefit from the return of a handful of players missing the end of the season with injury. There will be no shortage of question marks with second base, catcher, the rotation, and bullpen all having a fair share of concerns.
However, no decision will be more entertaining than what the future holds for Nick Allen. After a hot start at the plate, the Braves jettisoned Orlando Arcia, rolling with Allen the rest of the season. Allen's offense has faded, but there is no denying just how fun it is to watch the young infielder play defense. The numbers bear this out with an incredible fielding rate and runs saved.
The counter to this is the fact that the Braves' lineup badly needs meaningful improvement. It doesn't take but a glance at potential free agent options to see the perfect upgrade is free agent to be Bo Bichette. Currently with the Toronto Blue Jays, the veteran is one of the few headline names slated to hit free agency at the end of the season.
Braves Must Chase a Clear Upgrade by Signing Shortstop Bo Bichette
Bichette eludes team control at the end of the season, having picked the perfect year to provide a consistent source of offense. Hitting above .300 and putting surprise power numbers up has left an impressive market for the veteran infielder. One that must include the Braves if the franchise is going to make meaningful improvements.
One of the biggest issues has been a consistent lack of offense at the bottom of the lineup. Michael Harris, Ozzie Albies, and Allen have all contributed to this. While Harris has since shown signs of life, it doesn't wipe away how awful things were for much of the season. Allen fits into this in the fact that he is often close to an automatic out, unable to hit the ball with authority.
Even the incredible defense isn't hiding this fact. Plugging Bichette into your lineup is a defensive downgrade, but provides instant life in the lineup. The Braves need to add 1-2 hitters on this level if the franchise expects to put a lost season behind them. Bichette should be the first priority based on the pending free agency and a clear fit in Atlanta's lineup.