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Braves Shortstop Search: Should Atlanta Trade for Jeremy Peña or Otto López?
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- Braves Shortstop Search: Should Atlanta Trade for Jeremy Peña or Otto López?
(Brett Davis IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)
One of the bigger questions surrounding the Atlanta Braves for the 2027 season is what they'll do at shortstop.
It's been something of a revolving door since Dansby Swanson left in free agency after the 2022 season. Orlando Arcia had a good two-year stint in Atlanta, making the All-Star team in 2023 with a .741 OPS and 17 home runs.
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From there, Nick Allen was the primary shortstop in 2025, playing in 135 games with a .535 OPS while lacking power. The Braves claimed Ha-Seong Kim off waivers after he struggled with injuries, and he then tore a tendon in his finger in 2026. Mauricio Dubón was the everyday shortstop, appearing in 153 games and hitting .276 with a .720 OPS, 12 home runs and 73 runs batted in. He is officially a free agent, along with fellow shortstop candidate Ha-Seong Kim.
MLB Trade Rumors thinks two highly regarded shortstops could be trade targets for the Braves: Otto López of the Miami Marlins and Jeremy Peña of the Houston Astros.
Peña, the Astros' former No. 1 prospect, is entering the final year of his contract in 2027. He hit .277/.325/.477 this past season with 22 home runs. He made the All-Star Game in 2025 and has an impressive power-speed combination.
For Peña, the Braves might have to give up starting pitcher Grant Holmes and a prospect such as Owen Murphy, Patrick Clohisy or both. The Astros need starting pitching, and a solid middle-of-the-rotation starter could push Houston to deal a shortstop on an expiring contract.
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There were reports that the Marlins' asking price for López at the trade deadline was "insane," on par with what the Cincinnati Reds were asking for Elly De La Cruz. López is under club control through 2029. He had a massive 2026, hitting .305 with 34 steals and 6.1 bWAR. He hit just 11 home runs.
López would be more expensive given the lengthy club control, and Atlanta would have to give up one of its better prospects. Miami, like Houston, needs starting pitching. Braves No. 2 prospect Cam Caminiti would certainly pique the Marlins' interest. Major league-ready starter JR Ritchie would also help, while a 20-year-old shortstop prospect such as John Gil would help fill the hole left by López's departure.
Either player would be a big splash, but I think Peña's ceiling, combined with not having to give up a franchise cornerstone prospect like Caminiti, makes that deal more sensible.
