Some of the biggest Atlanta Braves roster holes can be filled with minor moves.
The Atlanta Braves are actually in pretty solid shape right now without getting too active in free agency, trades, or any of the other to-dos in the offseason. The Braves are well ahead of the other teams in their own division. Things are already looking up.
This doesn’t mean that the Braves are complete. Even with options on the roster to fill certain positions or roles, they have some holes.
What are those holes and how should Atlanta fill each?
1. Atlanta Braves rumors: Fill shortstop hole with Vaughn Grissom
Inviting Dansby Swanson back for another year would be a good move by the Braves. So would signing one of the other free agent shortstops. Even better might be to simply stick with Vaughn Grissom at the position.
Grissom had a strong albeit shortened rookie season for the Braves in 2022. He slashed .291/.353/.440 in 156 chances. The Braves used him at second base plenty during the absence of Ozzie Albies. Grissom more than proved he can hit big league pitchers. The team should stick with him.
How the front office spends money this offseason will be interesting. They have enough young players locked up to favorable deals to the point where they can get away without making any major splash in free agency. Atlanta could be a sneaky team to pull off a daring trade.
As far as shortstop goes, Grissom deserves another look. If it fails, the trade deadline is the point where the Braves can address it. For now, the team should be looking to make upgrades beyond the promising young player who could very well be their number nine hitter in 2023.