The Atlanta Braves are gearing up for a strong 2025 season, with nearly their entire roster expected to return at full strength. With superstar talents like Ronald Acuña Jr. and Austin Riley back in the fold, Atlanta Braves will be stacked at almost every position. However, one major question mark remains: shortstop.

Orlando Arcia, who played the position in 2024, struggled significantly, raising concerns about the Braves’ options at that spot. Arcia, who was a surprising National League All-Star in 2022, had a noticeable decline in 2023 and hit rock bottom in 2024. His final numbers — a .218 batting average, .271 on-base percentage, and .354 slugging — were well below average, and his 73 OPS+ ranked him among the worst hitters in the league. For a team with championship aspirations, such a weakness at shortstop could pose a real problem.

Major League Baseball insider and former GM Jim Bowden of The Athletic believes the Braves should aggressively address this issue in free agency. Bowden suggests that the perfect solution could be available on the market: Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Willy Adames.

Bowden points out that while the Braves are focused on improving their pitching staff — especially the top of their rotation — the shortstop position is an area they cannot afford to overlook. “If they can’t bring back Max Fried or sign another ace, pivoting to a position player like Willy Adames makes sense,” Bowden said. He argues that Adames would not only upgrade the shortstop spot but also provide additional power in the lineup. Over the past three seasons, Willy Adames has averaged 29 home runs per year, and his bat would add another dangerous dimension to the Braves’ offense.

Additionally, Arcia could transition to a utility role, contributing in various spots across the diamond, which would increase his value without the pressure of being an everyday starter.

Adames had a stellar 2024 campaign, hitting a career-high 31 home runs, driving in 112 RBIs, and posting a .794 OPS. Beyond his impressive numbers, he’s known for being a strong clubhouse presence and a leader, which adds even more value for a contending team like Atlanta.

However, the Braves could face a financial hurdle. Bowden projects Adames to land a six-year, $150 million contract, a significant investment for a team that has already shown reluctance to offer that kind of money to their own stars, like Max Fried. If the Braves are unwilling to meet that price, it could complicate their pursuit of Adames, despite the clear need for improvement at shortstop.

If the Braves can make a deal for Adames, they would further strengthen an already dangerous roster and position themselves as one of the most formidable teams in the National League. But even without him, Atlanta remains a powerhouse, and rival teams will have their work cut out trying to take them down in 2025