The Braves have made it clear: shortstop is a priority this offseason. After cycling through a mix of underwhelming options in recent years, Atlanta is ready to find a long-term answer at one of the most critical positions on the diamond. But as with any offseason fix, the challenge isn’t just identifying the need – it’s navigating a tricky market to address it.

There’s been plenty of buzz about a potential reunion with Ha-Seong Kim, who finished the season strong in a Braves uniform. Both sides have spoken positively about the fit, and on paper, it makes sense.

Kim brings defensive stability and enough offensive production to hold down the position. But while a reunion remains firmly in play, there’s another name floating around that could signal a much bigger swing: Bo Bichette.

Yes, that Bo Bichette – the two-time All-Star with a bat that plays in any lineup and a resume that’s hard to ignore. According to recent reports, the Braves are among several teams keeping tabs on Bichette’s situation. And while there’s no certainty he’ll be moved, or even hit the open market, the fact that Atlanta is even being mentioned suggests they’re at least exploring all avenues.

Now, let’s be real: going after Bichette would mark a significant philosophical shift for the Braves. General Manager Alex Anthopoulos is notoriously cautious when it comes to handing out massive free-agent contracts.

He’s built a contender by locking up young talent early and making savvy, short-term moves rather than chasing splashy signings. Bichette, with a price tag likely north of $150 million, would be a very different kind of investment.

Then there’s the defensive question. Bichette’s bat is elite – there’s no debating that.

He hits for average, has pop, and consistently ranks among the league leaders in hits. But his glove at shortstop has been a concern.

Metrics and scouts alike have pointed to below-average range and inconsistent footwork, and at 27, it’s fair to wonder how much room there is for improvement. Defense is something the Braves value highly at shortstop, and it’s hard to see them compromising on that without a clear plan.

But here’s where things get interesting. The Braves might see Bichette as a short-term solution at shortstop with a longer-term shift to second base in mind.

Ozzie Albies’ team-friendly deal is set to expire in a couple of years, and Atlanta has a wave of shortstop prospects developing in the minors. If the front office believes one of those prospects will be ready to take over by the time Bichette needs to move off short, this could be a strategic bridge move – one that solves two problems with one player.

It’s not without risk. Betting on a defensive turnaround is always tricky, and shifting a high-priced free agent to another position down the line doesn’t always go as smoothly as teams hope. But the Braves are clearly tired of the revolving door at shortstop, and if they believe Bichette’s bat can outweigh the glove – at least in the short term – this might be the kind of calculated gamble they’re willing to make.

Ultimately, how aggressive Atlanta gets will depend on how desperate they are to stabilize the position. Kim offers a safer, more affordable route. Bichette brings star power, offensive upside, and long-term flexibility – but at a much steeper cost, both financially and defensively.

The Braves have options. The question now is how bold they’re willing to be.