Heading into the offseason, the Atlanta Braves face the critical task of finding a new manager to replace Brian Snitker.

After that, their biggest priority will be addressing the shortstop position. While the team was solid defensively at shortstop this year, the offensive production was among the worst in all of Major League Baseball.
“Shortstop has been the biggest hole on the roster since Dansby Swanson departed in free agency three years ago. Nick Allen has performed admirably this season after taking over for Orlando Arcia. He’s elite defensively and could potentially win his first Gold Glove at season’s end. However, he’s one of the worst offensive players in the sport. Allen is a guy that should be used strictly as a defensive player at the end of games, not somebody who should be playing every day,” Sports Talk ATL’s Chase Irle wrote.

Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos held his end-of-season meeting and made it clear what the top priorities are — and who the team is targeting at shortstop.

“Anthopoulos said shortstop, bullpen and rotation are among the areas they’ll discuss addressing this winter. The hope is still to retain Ha-Seong Kim, but lots of factors there,” AJC’s Gabe Burns wrote.

If the Braves want to bring Kim back, it will likely have to be through free agency. And according to projections, his potential contract value has only increased since joining Atlanta.

“In the same chat, Adams suggested the Braves offer to add three years to Kim’s current option year at the same value, making it a four-year, $64 million deal,” HTHB’s Fred Owens wrote.

Kim has been the best shortstop the Braves have had since Swanson left, making him a top priority this offseason. There won’t be a better glove available on the market.

Anthopoulos may need to pay up, but if the Braves are serious about contention, retaining Kim is a move they can’t afford to miss.