The Braves have never exactly been big players in the Scott Boras sweepstakes. For years, GM Alex Anthopoulos has built a contender by avoiding the high-stakes poker table that Boras is known for dominating. But this offseason, that could be changing-at least a little.
According to reports, Atlanta has legitimate interest in a couple of Boras clients, including a familiar face in Ha-Seong Kim and a potential rotation upgrade in Ranger Suárez. Let’s break down both situations and what they could mean for the Braves’ offseason plans.
Ha-Seong Kim: A Second Look at a Shortstop Option
The Braves already made a move at shortstop, acquiring Mauricio Dubon earlier this offseason. But that hasn’t stopped them from keeping tabs on Ha-Seong Kim, who spent a brief-but telling-stint with the team at the end of the 2025 season.
Kim’s 2024 campaign was derailed by a serious shoulder injury, and that setback bled into 2025, limiting him to just 48 games combined between the Rays and Braves. But now, he’s healthy, and the interest around the league is picking up. The Braves and Brewers are reportedly among the teams intrigued by the 30-year-old infielder, who would represent a clear upgrade at short-assuming his arm strength is back to full capacity by Opening Day 2026.
The challenge, of course, is negotiating with Boras. The Braves aren’t likely to get into a bidding war here, especially with Dubon already in the fold.
A short-term deal might be on the table-one or two years, perhaps-but that may not be enough in a market that’s heating up. If Boras drags this one into late January or beyond, as he often does, it could test Atlanta’s patience.
Still, Kim offers a blend of defensive versatility, on-base skills, and postseason experience that’s hard to ignore. If the Braves believe his shoulder is fully healed, this could be a low-risk, high-reward play-if they can get the terms right.
Ranger Suárez: A Rotation Piece the Braves Should Be Eyeing
The bigger need, though, is in the rotation. The Braves have to add a proven starter this winter.
That’s not just a preference-it’s a necessity. And Ranger Suárez might be one of the more underrated arms available.
Since becoming a full-time starter in 2022, Suárez has quietly posted a 3.59 ERA and a 3.57 FIP-numbers that reflect consistency and durability in the middle of the Phillies’ rotation. But where he’s really made his mark is in October.
In 42.2 postseason innings, he’s held opponents to a 1.48 ERA. That’s not just good-it’s elite, and it speaks to the kind of poise and command that plays in the biggest moments.
Multiple teams are reportedly in on Suárez, including the Astros, Padres, Mets, Angels, Tigers-and yes, the Braves. He’s not going to cost what the top-tier arms will this winter, but he won’t come cheap either.
Still, this is exactly the kind of move Atlanta needs to be making. No more bargain-bin hunting for back-end starters.
They need someone who can take the ball in Game 3 of a playoff series and give them a real shot to win. Suárez fits that mold.
The Bottom Line
The Braves are in a fascinating spot this offseason. They’ve built a juggernaut by locking up their core and avoiding the free-agent frenzy. But if they want to get over the hump in October, they may need to step outside their comfort zone-at least a little.
Ha-Seong Kim and Ranger Suárez aren’t flashy names, but they’re the kind of players who can quietly raise a team’s floor and ceiling. And if Atlanta is willing to engage with Scott Boras, even on a limited basis, it signals they understand the urgency of the moment.
The window is wide open. Now it’s about making the right moves to walk through it.