Strategic Signing: Atlanta Braves Urged to Make Strategic Signing, Adjust Infield if Juan Soto Joins Rival
The Atlanta Braves did not live up to expectations in 2024. With the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets both trying to land Juan Soto, the Braves may need to add a superstar of their own to help compete.
While listing “emergency” signings the Braves can make if Soto lands in the National League East, FanSided’s Christopher Kline urged the Braves to sign Houston Astros star Alex Bregman.
“The best front offices in the MLB are creative. On the surface, Alex Bregman isn’t a fit for Atlanta,” wrote Kline. “He’s a battle-tested third baseman and the Braves already have an All-Star at the hot corner in Austin Riley. Bregman has said he’s open to playing second base, but that’s Ozzie Albies’ position. The Braves’ star-studded infield, on the surface, negates the need for Bregman.”
Even if Bregman moves to second base, the Braves would need to move Ozzie Albies. Albies made 195 starts at shortstop as a minor league player before his debut. He only made 93 starts at second base before his debut. Playing shortstop in the big leagues is not easy, but signing Bregman and moving Albies to shortstop could do a lot for the Braves offense.
Albies is an upgrade offensively over Orlando Arcia at shortstop. Bregman is a two-time All-Star and slashed .260/.315/.453 with 26 home runs last season. Spotrac projects him to sign a four-year, $119 million deal in free agency. Signing Bregman would upgrade the Braves offense while also adding another superstar to keep pace with the Mets or Phillies if Juan Soto signs.
