The Atlanta Braves may be facing their worst-case scenario this offseason. Star free agent Juan Soto, currently with the New York Yankees, is expected to have six primary suitors vying for his signature.
Among them are two National League East rivals: the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies. If Soto ends up with either team, the Braves will likely need to make significant offseason moves to stay competitive, as maintaining their current roster won’t be enough.
Christopher Kline of FanSided recently explored this possibility, proposing several “emergency moves” for the Braves in such a scenario. One of the key suggestions was signing star shortstop Willy Adames from the Milwaukee Brewers.
“Not to state the obvious, but Willy Adames should be a top priority for the Braves,” Kline wrote. “Atlanta had several areas of weakness last season, but even at full strength, their most glaring issue was at shortstop.
Orlando Arcia simply doesn’t measure up to the rest of the team’s offensive core. Upgrading to an elite shortstop would address one of the few major holes in the Braves’ roster.”
Adding Adames should be a priority for Atlanta regardless of where Soto lands. His signing would solidify an All-MLB-caliber infield and bring another potent middle-of-the-order bat to an already stacked lineup.
The 29-year-old shortstop, Willy Adames, is projected to command a six-year, $152 million contract, according to Spotrac, with some estimates suggesting his deal could approach $200 million. Adding Adames wouldn’t just strengthen the Braves’ roster but would also prevent a division rival, like the Mets, from landing him, as he is reportedly one of their top targets this offseason.
