Atlanta got back on track last year, as the Braves won the NL East and looked more like the team we’ve been accustomed to seeing over the last decade. Still, there are holes to fill out for 2027, including who will play shortstop next season.

Biggest needs for Braves

The Braves’ most notable losses in free agency were closer Raisel Iglesias & infielder/outfielder Mauricio Dubon.

Iglesias re-signed with the Braves weeks before the club brought in ex-Padres closer Robert Suarez. At the time, it was clear what was likely to happen. Suarez and Iglesias would form a power combo at the back of the bullpen, and the former could take over as closer in 2027.

The loss of Iglesias is a notable one, as he was a very steady hand in that bullpen over the past few seasons for the Braves. And realistically, the Braves could use another right-handed arm to complement the good left-handers (Dylan Lee, Dylan Dodd, Ray Kerr) in the bullpen.

Losing Dubon is also rather significant.

Atlanta traded for Dubon from the Astros last winter, a strategic move for several reasons. It offered the Astros an avenue to offload money, plus add an offensive upgrade from Nick Allen.

Dubon was that and then some. A 2026 NL Gold Glove winner, he racked up 43 extra-base hits (the fifth-most on the Braves) and also played the infield and outfield. He was very valuable.

The Braves don’t have a rock-solid option at short heading into 2027, although the club could roll the dice with Jim Jarvis. Jarvis is a good contact hitter but only slashed .207/.267/.297. He’s more of a glove-first player.

Tate Southisene could be the Braves’ shortstop of the future, potentially ending the years-long search for stability at the position since Dansby Swanson left after the 2022 campaign. However, Southisene is roughly one year away, if not longer.

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