The Atlanta Braves are once again in the market for a shortstop, and their search has taken an intriguing, albeit unconventional, turn. After rumors of their interest in Willy Adames, the Braves have come up short, with the Milwaukee Brewers free agent opting to sign a nearly $200 million deal with the San Francisco Giants. While Atlanta was reportedly hopeful of landing Adames to bolster their infield, the team will now need to pivot and explore other options to fill the shortstop role — but could that include an unlikely candidate?
The Shortstop Situation in Atlanta
For the Braves, shortstop has become a bit of a revolving door in recent years, and Orlando Arcia’s struggles in 2024 only heightened the urgency to find a long-term solution. While Arcia was a serviceable fill-in during his time in the starting lineup, his inconsistencies at the plate and in the field were glaring. With the Braves looking to compete for championships, they’ll need a stronger presence in the middle of the infield.
Enter Alex Bregman, an option that might initially seem out of left field, but one that could make a lot of sense when considering Atlanta’s championship aspirations. While Bregman is primarily known for his time as a third baseman with the Houston Astros, there’s a case to be made for the Braves to pursue the two-time World Series champion to help shore up their infield.
The Case for Alex Bregman in Atlanta
FanSided’s Christopher Kline recently floated the idea of Atlanta targeting Bregman, and while he admitted it’s unlikely, there’s a strong case to be made for the Braves taking a serious run at the 30-year-old.
Bregman, who has been with the Astros since 2016, is coming off another solid season, further cementing his reputation as one of the league’s top talents. His postseason pedigree is unmatched — with two World Series titles and nearly a decade of postseason experience. That kind of pedigree would undoubtedly appeal to the Braves, who are focused on taking the next step and capturing that elusive championship after coming up just short in recent seasons.
Kline points out that Bregman is projected to sign a four-year, $119 million deal, though some reports suggest his final contract could balloon closer to $200 million. While this is an expensive proposition, it’s worth noting that Bregman’s versatility and proven ability to perform on the big stage could justify such an investment for a Braves team that has championship aspirations.
Positioning and the Potential Fit
One of the main challenges with pursuing Bregman, however, lies in his position. As a third baseman, Bregman is a proven elite defender, but the Braves already have Austin Riley locked in at third, making Bregman’s fit a bit tricky. That’s where his flexibility comes into play.
Bregman has reportedly expressed willingness to move positions if it helps the team, and in Atlanta, he could slot in at second base, a position that’s been held down by Ozzie Albies. This would then allow Albies to shift to shortstop — a position he’s capable of handling, though not his natural spot. While this move would require some adaptation and lineup reshuffling, Bregman’s bat and leadership could make the transition worth it.
For the Braves, this kind of versatility could provide the much-needed upgrade at shortstop while also keeping the offensive depth intact. Albies would remain a strong presence in the lineup, and Bregman would add another bat with significant power and on-base skills.
Is Bregman Worth a $200 Million Gamble?
Despite the potential fit, there are several obstacles standing in the way of Bregman ending up in Atlanta. First and foremost is the price tag. At 30 years old, Bregman will be commanding a hefty contract, likely in the range of $200 million or more. Given that he’ll be entering his 30s at the start of his new deal, the Braves would need to carefully consider whether a long-term commitment to a player who’s already at this stage of his career is the best use of their resources.
Moreover, Bregman is likely to draw interest from several other teams, including the Houston Astros, New York Yankees, Detroit Tigers, and New York Mets, who are all in the market for a proven, postseason-ready player. The Braves could easily find themselves outbid by these franchises, especially if their needs align more closely with Bregman’s skill set.
The Braves’ Next Steps
If the Braves miss out on Bregman or decide the cost is too high, they’ll have to consider alternative paths. The shortstop market is still rich with talent, and while Bregman might be one of the more unconventional options, there are other infielders who could be a better fit for Atlanta’s needs and budget.
Names like Dansby Swanson (should he hit the market) or Xander Bogaerts could emerge as viable alternatives, but the Braves may also need to dip into the trade market to find a solution. Regardless, the team has several avenues to explore as they continue their quest for a championship.
Conclusion: A Bold Move or a Long Shot?
While a pursuit of Alex Bregman by the Braves may seem like a long shot, it’s a move worth considering. Bregman’s playoff experience, versatility, and high-level performance make him a valuable asset for any contender. If the Braves can make the financials work and convince Bregman to shift positions, they could be adding a key piece to their infield.
At the same time, the Braves face stiff competition for Bregman’s services, and it’s far from certain that they’ll be able to outbid the other suitors. But with the clock ticking on another championship window, Atlanta can’t afford to miss any opportunity — even unconventional ones — to make their team even stronger.
