The Atlanta Braves could be witnessing their worst nightmare unfold right before their eyes.
New York Yankees superstar Juan Soto, the top free agent of the winter, is expected to sign with six different teams this offseason. Two of the four teams, including the Braves, compete in the National League East.
If Soto signs with the New York Mets or Philadelphia Phillies, the Braves will be unable to remain content with their current roster. They’d have to make some significant offseason moves to compete with Soto.
Christopher Kline of FanSided recently accepted this theory and compiled a list of “Emergency moves” that the Braves may make in this nightmare situation. One of these moves was to sign Willy Adames, the outstanding shortstop, away from the Milwaukee Brewers.
“Not to state the obvious, but Willy Adames should be the Braves’ primary priority. Atlanta has multiple areas of weakness last season, but at full strength, the team’s biggest issue is shortstop,” Kline noted. “Orlando Arcia simply does not compare to the rest of Atlanta’s attacking personnel. Upgrading to an exceptional shortstop would leave very few visible flaws on the Braves’ roster.
The experienced shortstop should be one of the Braves’ top objectives, regardless of whether Soto signs in the NL East. Signing Adames would complete the Braves’ All-MLB infield. He’d be adding another middle-of-the-order hitter to an already talented lineup.
According to Spotrac, the 29-year-old shortstop is expected to sign a six-year, $152 million contract, with others estimating the total worth at $200 million.
Adames is also a big target for the Mets this winter, so signing him would constitute taking him from them.
