Outside of one out-of-the-blue All-Star season from Orlando Arcia in 2023, the Braves have struggled to find consistent shortstop play since Dansby Swanson left for the Chicago Cubs.
Mauricio Dubón stepped up and filled in quite a bit at shortstop this year, but he is a free agent now. Even if the Braves bring him back, they may prefer to have him in left field and add a true star at shortstop. They should check in on a trade for Jeremy Peña of the Houston Astros.
It would not be a surprise to see the Astros shop Peña this offseason. The team could be looking to cut payroll, and Peña has a ton of trade value. According to The Athletic's Chandler Rome, he would be an ideal candidate to be traded this winter.
"The Astros’ inability to extend Peña, a free agent after next season, makes him an ideal trade candidate this winter,' wrote Rome. "Houston traded Kyle Tucker to the Chicago Cubs in 2024 under almost identical circumstances."
Peña is better than any of the middle infield options in free agency, but the Braves cannot expect to trade for him and agree to an extension. He is represented by Scott Boras and will almost certainly test free agency no matter what. However, if the Braves land him in a trade, they could have an inside track to signing him long-term.
The Braves have no shortage of stars, but shortstop is one of the few holes on their team. A roster of Matt Olson, Ronald Acuña Jr., Peña, Austin Riley, Michael Harris III and Drake Baldwin could provide enough offense to go on a deep run.
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