Could Anthony Volpe fill Braves biggest hole?

The Atlanta Braves might be 16 games under .500 this season, but nothing has suggested they will hit the reset button this winter. There’s simply too much talent on the roster under team control for multiple seasons to start thinking about a rebuild. But if the Braves believe running it back is the answer, they’ll find themselves in the same position they are in now this time next year.

Upgrades must be made, but that’s easier said than done, especially when it comes to the offense. Here’s the list of players in the Braves lineup currently under contract for multiple years:

• Michael Harris II (Through 2032)
• Austin Riley (Through 2032)
• Matt Olson (Through 2030)
• Sean Murphy (Through 2029)
• Ronald Acuña Jr. (Through 2028)
• Ozzie Albies (Through 2027)
• Jurickson Profar (Through 2027)

That’s seven everyday regulars that have inked long-term contracts with the Braves, and it’s eight if you include Drake Baldwin, who is not even arbitration eligible until 2028.

Unless Alex Anthopoulos wants to shake things up with some trades, the only real place they can upgrade is shortstop. Something they attempted to address before the offseason by claiming Ha-Seong Kim off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays.

Kim very well could be the Braves shortstop next year if he picks up his $16 million player option. But with Scott Boras representing him, it’s not likely he’s a long-term answer. The Braves have still yet to find that since Dansby Swanson left for the Cubs in free agency, and they don’t have anybody at the position on the cusp of the majors in their farm system.

Several options could be considered this offseason. One name ESPN insider Buster Olney recently floated is Trevor Story, who could opt out of his contract with the Red Sox following one of the best seasons of his career.

But a guy like Trevor Story might be out of the Braves’ price range. So will Bo Bichette, and even Ha-Seong Kim could prove too expensive for the Braves’ liking if he opts out of his contract this offseason. That could force Alex Anthopoulos to turn to the trade market, which he’s done often during his tenure as Atlanta’s general manager, with one potential option being Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe.

Volpe’s job with the Yankees is in jeopardy as the team hopes to get back to the World Series after falling to the Dodgers a year ago. He hasn’t progressed offensively like the Yankees hoped he would, and even his defense has been sub-par of late. Aaron Boone is being asked on a nightly basis about his role moving forward, and it’s very possible the Yankees consider finding an alternative option this winter.

That’s where the Braves come in. Anthony Volpe might not be the second-coming of Derek Jeter, but he’s a helluva lot better than what Atlanta’s been trotting out over the last three seasons. He’s accrued 8.1 WAR since the start of the 2023 season, offering quite a bit of pop from the shortstop position with plus-defense. Volpe is also under team control at a cheap rate through 2028, and more than anything, could be reasonably attainable coming off a down year.

The addition of Ha-Seong Kim shouldn’t prevent the Braves from inquiring on Anthony Volpe this offseason if he’s made available. The 24-year-old is still oozing with potential, and the bright lights of New York have been known to have a negative effect on a lot of players. A change of scenery could be best for both parties before the start of the 2026 season.