Braves' prime trade target is 27-HR shortstop from AL West originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
It was somewhat of a nightmare season at shortstop for the Atlanta Braves.
Ha-Seong Kim had one of the worst offensive seasons in Major League history, and Jorge Mateo didn't work either.
Jim Jarvis also spent time in the middle infield but wasn't a standout performer.
Mauricio Dubon provided a Gold Glove-like season while playing several positions, including shortstop.
Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller wrote that the Braves should consider re-signing Dubon, but they should also be on the lookout for an offensive upgrade.
"If they manage to re-sign Mauricio Dubón, never mind. Atlanta's primary trade block focus at that point would be adding a starting pitcher who might actually be able to stay healthy.
"As is, though, Jim Jarvis is the leader in the clubhouse for the starting shortstop gig on Opening Day, and he posted a .564 OPS before spending the final six weeks of the regular season at Triple-A Gwinnett. Dating back to July 2022, though, the Braves have made 13 trades with the Angels, and maybe they can go back to that well to snag Zach Neto," Miller wrote.
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Neto had his third consecutive 20-20 season in 2027, hitting 27 homers and 24 stolen bases.
He's also totaled at least 5.1 bWAR in each of the last three years despite being a below-average defensive shortstop.
The best of both worlds for the Braves would be to re-sign Dubon as a utilityman and acquire Neto to be their starting shortstop through the 2029 season.
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