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Braves predicted to replace Ha-Seong Kim with $51 million Gold Glove shortstop
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- Braves predicted to replace Ha-Seong Kim with $51 million Gold Glove shortstop
Braves predicted to replace Ha-Seong Kim with $51 million Gold Glove shortstop originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The Atlanta Braves could use more stability at shortstop.
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Ha-Seong Kim has put together one of the worst offensive seasons of all-time, and Mauricio Dubon may be best used in a utility role.
Both Kim and Dubon are free agents after the season, and Atlanta's front office should do its best to find a suitable everyday guy up the middle.
Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter predicts the Braves will target a former Gold Glove shortstop from the AL West.
"The Braves have patched together the shortstop position with a combination of Mauricio Dubón, Ha-Seong Kim and Jim Jarvis. With both Dubón and Kim headed to free agency, that won't be a viable option in 2027," Reuter wrote.
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"There is always the possibility of a splash to acquire someone like Zach Neto , but a reasonable free-agent deal for J.P. Crawford feels much more on brand."
While Neto is the better player, it would cost the Braves a ton of prospect capital to acquire him from the Los Angeles Angels .
Crawford is the older but much cheaper option.
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His five-year, $51 million contract with the Seattle Mariners runs out at the end of this year.
In 102 games, Crawford is hitting .219/.341/.338 with 10 home runs and a .679 OPS. Not impressive numbers, but anything would be better than what Kim and Jarvis have provided on offense.
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Crawford's weak defense is an issue, but the Braves could look past that if it means adding a veteran to the lineup every day.
