The Atlanta Braves came into this offseason with a clear plan - and they executed it swiftly. General Manager Alex Anthopoulos wasted no time addressing key needs, and one of the biggest moves was bringing back shortstop Ha-Seong Kim on a one-year, $20 million deal. It was a targeted signing that looked like a perfect fit, locking in a reliable glove and solid bat up the middle.
Kim had declined a $16 million player option from his previous deal with Tampa Bay - a two-year, $29 million contract that paid him $13 million in year one. The Braves saw an opportunity and pounced, giving him a $4 million raise to shore up their infield defense and deepen their lineup.
But just as quickly as the Braves filled that hole, they were hit with a setback: Kim is now expected to miss significant time due to injury. That kind of blow can shift an entire offseason narrative - but in Atlanta’s case, it simply forced a pivot, not a panic.
Enter Mauricio Dubón.
The Braves acquired the versatile infielder from the Houston Astros in a trade that sent Nick Allen the other way. At the time, Dubón’s role wasn’t clearly defined.
He’s the kind of player who can slot in just about anywhere, a Swiss Army knife-type who brings value through his flexibility. But after Kim’s injury, the Braves made another move to round out the roster, signing Jorge Mateo - a speedster who adds a different dimension.
Mateo’s calling card is his elite base-stealing ability. Since swiping 35 bags with the Orioles in 2022, he’s stolen 95 bases at an 84.1% success rate - the kind of efficiency that makes him a legitimate threat every time he reaches first.
His addition gives Atlanta a late-inning weapon and allows Dubón to slide around the diamond when needed. If the Braves need to pinch-hit for someone like Mike Yastrzemski against a tough lefty, Dubón can shift to left field, and Mateo can take over in the infield.
It’s the kind of roster flexibility that championship teams covet.
But make no mistake: Dubón is now the guy at shortstop - at least to start the season.
That clarity, while born from unfortunate circumstances, gives the Braves a solid defensive anchor. Dubón isn’t just a fill-in.
He’s a Gold Glove winner, and his glove plays anywhere on the field. The bat?
That’s still a bit of a question mark, especially compared to what Kim brings to the table. But Dubón’s value isn’t tied to offensive production alone.
He’s a high-IQ player who knows how to contribute in all the little ways that don’t always show up in the box score.
Injuries before Spring Training are never ideal, but the Braves have turned a tough break into a clear plan. With Dubón stepping in at shortstop, Mateo ready to impact the game with his legs, and a roster built around depth and versatility, Atlanta is showing once again why they’re one of the most well-run clubs in baseball. The path to Opening Day may have changed, but the destination - contention - remains the same.