JUST IN: Braves secure free agent star shortstop with a contract worth over $150 million

This season has been a nightmare for the Braves, largely due to injuries. However, regardless of how things turn out, this isn’t a reflection of what next year’s team will look like. Ronald Acuña Jr., even if he’s still recovering from his ACL injury, will return. Spencer Strider, Austin Riley, Ozzie Albies, and the other injured players will also be back in action.

A.J. Minter and Max Fried will enter free agency, but there’s a good chance Minter re-signs with Atlanta. While Fried might leave, the Braves have several starters competing for spots in the rotation.

Next year’s starting rotation will likely feature Chris Sale, Reynaldo López, Spencer Strider, and Spencer Schwellenbach, with Ian Anderson, Hurston Waldrep, and A.J. Smith-Shawver vying for the final spot.

Most of next season’s roster is already set, apart from a few positions. One key area the Braves could improve is shortstop, and Willy Adames stands out as a strong free-agent target. Robert Murray suggests he could be a good fit for Atlanta.

Adames brings impressive stats, leading the National League with 121 RBIs and posting a .253/.334/.470 slash line, along with a 121 OPS+ and solid defense. He’s also praised for his leadership in the Brewers’ clubhouse, a quality that Alex Anthopoulos highly values in free-agent signings. The question is whether Anthopoulos is willing to offer him the significant contract he’ll likely demand, somewhere in the $150-200 million range.

There aren’t many areas for the Braves to change the lineup without moving one of their long-term players. Left field and shortstop seem like the main spots for potential upgrades.

While the Braves invested a lot in acquiring Jarred Kelenic, if he doesn’t perform, it could be written off as a sunk cost. Orlando Arcia, meanwhile, can easily transition to a bench role.

This offseason will be intriguing, with a lot of attention likely focused on the rotation if Max Fried and Charlie Morton depart, as many expect. However, the lineup will also need adjustments, especially after this tough season.