Willy Adames #27 of the Milwaukee Brewers
The Atlanta Braves are facing what could be their biggest offseason challenge yet. As Juan Soto, the star outfielder of the New York Yankees, hits the free-agent market, the Braves may find themselves in a race against time to keep up with their National League East rivals. The Mets and Phillies are two of the top contenders to land Soto, and if either team secures the 25-year-old superstar, the Braves may no longer be able to stand pat with their current roster.
In a recent piece by Christopher Kline of FanSided, the idea of the Braves needing to make “emergency moves” in response to Soto’s potential landing in the NL East was explored. One of the most intriguing suggestions Kline put forth was signing Milwaukee Brewers star shortstop Willy Adames, who could instantly address one of Atlanta’s lingering weaknesses.
Why Willy Adames Makes Sense for the Braves
The Braves have several holes to fill this offseason, but none as glaring as shortstop. While Orlando Arcia did a commendable job in the role during the 2023 season, he simply doesn’t measure up to the offensive capabilities of the rest of Atlanta’s potent lineup. Arcia’s production left something to be desired, and upgrading to an elite shortstop would significantly bolster the Braves’ infield, creating a more well-rounded and formidable roster.
Kline made a strong case for Adames, stating, “Not to state the obvious, but Willy Adames should be a top priority for the Braves. There were several positions of weakness for Atlanta last season, but at full strength, this team’s greatest bugaboo is shortstop.”
Adames is one of the most sought-after free agents of the winter, and for good reason. At just 29 years old, Adames is one of the best offensive shortstops in baseball, capable of providing power in the middle of the order. He is a two-time All-Star who has consistently hit for both average and power throughout his career. With a projected contract worth six years and $152 million (with some projections nearing $200 million), he could be a pricey addition—but one that the Braves can ill afford to overlook.
The Mets’ and Phillies’ Impact on the Braves’ Offseason Strategy
The addition of Soto to either the Mets or Phillies would drastically shift the competitive landscape of the NL East. Both teams are already stacked, and adding a player of Soto’s caliber would make them even more formidable contenders. For the Braves, sitting idly by and assuming their current roster will be enough could be a dangerous gamble.
If the Braves want to maintain their standing as one of the best teams in baseball, they may have to act decisively. This means targeting Adames not just as a shortstop upgrade but as a strategic move to keep pace with their division rivals. Not only would signing Adames solidify the Braves’ infield, but it would also have the added benefit of stealing a top target from the Mets, who are rumored to be in the mix for Adames this offseason.
An All-MLB Infield: A Dream Scenario for the Braves
By adding Adames, the Braves could potentially field one of the most complete infields in all of baseball. With Adames at shortstop, the Braves would have an elite player at every position across the diamond, from Austin Riley at third base to Ozzie Albies at second and Matt Olson at first.
More importantly, Adames would bring another big bat to the Braves’ already-loaded lineup. The combination of his power and defensive prowess would provide a balanced approach, with the added benefit of keeping the lineup deep from top to bottom. His presence in the lineup could be the missing piece that propels the Braves into serious contention for the World Series in 2024.
The Braves Must Move Fast
With the Mets and Phillies actively pursuing major free agents this winter, the Braves cannot afford to wait too long to make their move. While Adames should be a top priority regardless of what happens with Soto, the possibility of another NL East team improving their roster with a superstar like Soto means Atlanta must make bold decisions. If they do land Adames, they will not only strengthen their own team but also deliver a blow to their division rivals.
In the end, the Braves’ offseason will likely be defined by how they respond to the shifting balance of power in the NL East. By going all-in on Adames, they could solidify their position as a perennial powerhouse, while also ensuring that the Mets and Phillies won’t be able to easily pull ahead in the arms race for the best talent available.
Stay tuned, because this winter, the stakes for the Atlanta Braves couldn’t be higher.
