Shortstop free agent targets for the Braves

I was going to continue my series on five free agents the Braves should target at positions of need with a section on shortstops. It’s been the biggest hole on Atlanta’s roster since Dansby Swanson left in free agency, and it’s never been more glaring than now, with Mauricio Dubon set to test the open market.

Unfortunately, finding five options is impossible. Hell, finding one is difficult. But I’ll highlight the few that make some semblance of sense if you squint hard enough.

If you missed my section on starting pitchers, follow the link below:

• 5 Free Agents The Braves Should Target: Starting Pitchers

JP Crawford

You should have a sense of just how rough this list is when JP Crawford is leading it off. I’m not even sure you can consider Crawford an everyday shortstop at this point. He was brutal defensively when asked to play the position last year and is overdue for a position change as he approaches his mid-30s.

On top of that, Crawford is coming off one of his worst offensive years as well, hitting .221 with a .687 OPS. This would have been a fun idea a few years ago, but there’s next to no chance the Braves sign him intending to start him at shortstop next season.

Former Braves

• Orlando Arcia
• Nicky Lopez
• Jorge Mateo
• Ha-Seong Kim

The list of shortstop free agents is only about ten deep, and it’s basically a reunion of Braves castoffs looking for work. All of these guys started in Atlanta over the last three years, and we know damn well none of them are good enough to come back. Let’s move on.

Mauricio Dubon (Only Option)

Listen, I could write a couple of paragraphs on the possibility of Bo Bichette opting out and becoming an option in Atlanta. But the reality is he’s not really a shortstop anymore defensively, and he’s way out of the Braves’ price range. So even if Bichette does opt out of his deal with the Mets, it’s highly unlikely he’s on his way to Atlanta.

The only free agent option the Braves should be interested in is one of their own. Dubon was excellent defensively this past season when asked to play shortstop, and he offers more than enough at the plate to be a stopgap until the Braves deem one of their prospects ready to take over.

The problem? Every team that needs a shortstop is going to be eyeing Mauricio Dubon. His agent is going to be licking his chops this winter, because sometimes the most important factor in getting paid is the free agent class around you. In Dubon’s case, it’s essentially non-existent. That could make it very difficult for the Braves to retain him, leaving them in an all-too-familiar place at the position — throwing crap at the wall and hoping something sticks.