Braves Face Shortstop Dilemma After Disappointing Season

Atlanta's roster talent didn't come together in 2025, putting pressure on the team to bounce back in 2026.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Atlanta Braves, expected to be one of the best teams in baseball last season, instead finished fourth in the NL East, closer to the basement-dwelling Washington Nationals than an NL Wild Card spot. With a roster full of talented players in their primes, the Braves can't afford another underwhelming season, but they face a major question mark at shortstop after the departure of Dansby Swanson.

Why it matters

The Braves have a talented roster, but their struggles last season highlighted a potential weakness at the shortstop position. As a contending team with championship aspirations, addressing this hole could be crucial to their success in 2026.

The details

The Braves signed Ha-Seong Kim this offseason, but an off-the-field injury means he won't be ready for Opening Day. Mauricio Dubon is expected to fill in at shortstop until Kim returns, likely in late May or early June. However, ESPN's Bradford Doolittle notes that the Braves "really need to make a splash at this spot" as their top shortstop prospects are still a long way from helping in Atlanta.

  • The Braves finished fourth in the NL East in 2025.
  • Ha-Seong Kim signed with the Braves this offseason but is expected to miss the start of the 2026 season due to an injury.
  • Mauricio Dubon will likely fill in at shortstop until Kim returns, which is expected to be in late May or early June.

The players

Ha-Seong Kim

A shortstop signed by the Braves this offseason, but he is expected to miss the start of the 2026 season due to an injury.

Mauricio Dubon

The Braves' fill-in choice at shortstop until Ha-Seong Kim returns from injury.

Dansby Swanson

The Braves' former shortstop who departed the team, leaving them in an "awkward spot" at the position.

Alex Anthopoulos

The Braves' general manager who has been "in an awkward spot at shortstop ever since Dansby Swanson departed" and has been doing "roster juggling" to address the position.

Bradford Doolittle

An ESPN writer who wonders if the Braves have a good enough shortstop to be a true contender.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Such talents aren't easy to find and acquire, first and foremost. The Braves have been in an awkward spot at shortstop ever since Dansby Swanson departed, and for all the roster juggling GM Alex Anthopoulos has done, the picture here remains murky.”

— Bradford Doolittle, ESPN Writer (ESPN)

“Kim is down with a hand injury, pushing Dubon into an awkward fit as an everyday shortstop. Kim will likely return in late May or early June, so the arrangement is temporary. That doesn't change the fact that the Braves really need to make a splash at this spot, especially as their highest-ranked shortstop prospects are a long way from helping in Atlanta.”

— Bradford Doolittle, ESPN Writer (ESPN)

What’s next

The Braves will need to monitor the in-season trade market for potential shortstop upgrades, as their current options may not be enough to make them a true contender in 2026.

The takeaway

The Braves' struggles in 2025 highlighted a potential weakness at the shortstop position, and they will need to address this issue if they want to bounce back and contend for a championship in 2026. Their roster talent is strong, but the shortstop spot remains a major question mark that could determine the team's success this season.