Atlanta Braves Seek Shortstop Upgrade for 2025

The Atlanta Braves are focusing on key improvements after a challenging 2024 season marked by injuries and underperformance, particularly against right-handed pitching. General Manager Alex Anthopoulos aims to enhance the team's on-base percentage, which was average in 2024, and reduce their reliance on home runs. Former player Jeff Francoeur emphasized the need for an elite shortstop, suggesting targets like Bo Bichette and Willy Adames, to bolster the lineup. The team's core, including stars like Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider, is expected to return healthy in 2025, enhancing their competitiveness. Additionally, rookie pitcher Spencer Schwellenbach emerged as a standout under-25 player, showing promise in the rotation. The Braves' offseason strategy will be crucial to regaining their dominance in the National League East.