Atlanta Braves Roster Weaknesses Threaten 2027 Championship Bid

The Atlanta Braves' path to a potential championship in 2027 is under threat due to two significant weaknesses in their roster. As the team prepares for the winter meetings, the front office must make some tough decisions to address these issues.

One major concern is the team's performance at shortstop, which was a staggering 33% below the league average in terms of weighted runs created plus (wRC+). This stat indicates that the offense at this position was severely lacking. The numbers also reveal underperformance at other key positions, including third base, left field, and second base.

The Braves' struggles at shortstop are particularly glaring, with a wRC+ of 67 being a significant red flag for a team aiming to win another title. To rectify this issue, the team's management must identify a suitable replacement or solution.

One potential answer lies in Mauricio Dubón, who was acquired via trade after being designated for assignment by the Houston Astros. When playing shortstop, Dubón showed impressive form, posting a 115 wRC+ and earning a positive fielding run value of +3. His ability to handle the position while delivering at the plate makes him an attractive option to plug the gap at shortstop.

The Braves' decision to keep Dubón at shortstop appears to be a sound strategy for addressing their biggest offensive weakness.

Dubón's skills make him an ideal candidate to play every day at shortstop, and keeping him in this role would allow the team to capitalize on his abilities.

However, before making any decisions, the team must first negotiate a new contract with Dubón, who is currently a pending free agent.

This move alone could have a significant impact on the team's lineup, potentially lifting them out of their current slump.

The pitching staff also presents challenges for the Braves, particularly in terms of depth. While Chris Sale had an outstanding season, posting a 196 Adjusted ERA that ranks third-best in franchise history, the team can't rely solely on him to carry the load.

Sale's performance was all the more impressive considering he threw at his highest career average speed and remained healthy throughout the year.

The Braves' plan to give Sale extra rest seems to have paid off, but the team still lacks sufficient depth in their pitching rotation. Currently, only three pitchers are projected to make 25 starts: Grant Holmes, Bryce Elder, and Chris Sale.

Reynaldo López is dealing with a recurring issue in his right shoulder, which will likely limit his availability once again. This setback adds to the Braves' pitching depth concerns, further emphasizing the need for reinforcements this offseason.

The team's rotation woes are compounded by Spencer Schwellenbach's uncertain status due to an elbow screw, leaving them without a clear solution to shore up their starting lineup. To keep Chris Sale fresh for the postseason, the Braves require at least two more reliable starters in 2027.

Re-signing Tyler Mahle would be a significant coup, but it may not be enough to address the team's pitching needs. Meanwhile, young talents like AJ Smith-Shawver and JR Ritchie hold promise, but are still developing and cannot yet anchor the rotation.

The Braves' front office must now look externally for reliable arms to bolster their pitching corps. Ignoring these issues will come at a steep cost in 2027, as a weak shortstop and thin rotation will ultimately hinder the team's chances of success.