If there is one perfect Atlanta Braves' offseason target, it is free agent-to-be Bo Bichette.
While the shortstop is currently dealing with an injury, an incredible 2025 run has made it clear that if there is one piece that would fix the issues in Atlanta's middle infield, it is the current Toronto Blue Jay. So much of the frustration with the Braves' offense was centered around a lack of consistency from Ozzie Albies and Nick Allen, and it's clear a major shake-up is needed.
Part of what landed the Braves in their current mess was the decision to be content with utility infielder Orlando Arcia transitioning into a starting role after the departure of Dansby Swanson. They officially can't continue with the status quo, and targeting Bichette this winter would go a long way to instilling confidence back into the Atlanta fan base.
Braves Have Perfect Potential Offseason Target in SS Bo Bichette
Bichette has been one of the MLB's top shortstops ever since becoming a full-time player in 2021. He's earned two All-Star nods since then, all while amassing 95 home runs, 393 RBIs, 168 walks, 52 stolen bases, and a 17.5 WAR across 673 games (2,952 plate appearances) during that stretch, making it easy to see the impact he could have in Atlanta.
Trevor Story is the only other notable name that could hit the market, painting the picture of how sought-after Bichette is likely to be. To land Bichette, the Braves are going to have to overpay, whether they like it or not. As painful as this might be for a cheap front office, Atlanta fans have had enough of watching young stars being locked up to team-friendly deals while the rest of the issues are addressed through bargain shopping.
Whether it is waiver claims or reclamation projects in free agency, the Braves have an annoying tendency to refuse to pay top-dollar. It has become glaring that it has cost the franchise, and something has to give if they want to be a legitimate contender again.
If the front office can patch up the shortstop position, there is reason to believe the Braves can be a playoff threat as early as 2026. We saw flashes of what the offense can do when healthy at the end of the season, and adding Bichette to the mix would put things over the top.
At the end of the day, signing Bichette could vault the Braves back to the top of the NL East soon. Even with the infielder's current injury concerns, it is going to be an aggressive market that the Braves must understand they need to approach with a sense of urgency, especially if they want to avoid suffering back-to-back playoff misses for the first time in nearly a decade.