Braves’ handling of Nick Allen gives hope they will actually get a new shortstop
The Nick Allen experience as full-time starting shortstop has been well documented this season. Clearly, it is safe to say most Atlanta Braves’ fans are over watching Allen’s at-bats. The brilliance of Allen’s glove (99th percentile in OAA) hasn’t been enough to offset the extreme lack of power (.540 OPS) this season.
Luckily, it seems the Braves are realizing that Allen’s offense isn’t something they can continue to roll out on a nightly basis. Allen has been on the bench for three out of the last seven games as of Saturday morning in favor of Vidal Brujan. Even though Brujan isn’t the long-term answer at shortstop either, Atlanta’s willingness to admit the answer isn’t Allen is an encouraging sign for the winter.
For the lead!#BravesCountry pic.twitter.com/hGNvpDnpGd
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) August 27, 2025
Braves upgrading shortstop feels more likely by the day
Atlanta’s handling of Nick Allen clearly points to the front office at least knowing they can’t run out a sub .600 OPS shortstop out in 2026. The Braves’ have enough questions in the projected 2026 lineup as is, so it’s important they get more production from shortstop next season.
Bo Bichette is the top shortstop that most fans, and media, are pointing to for the Braves to sign. However, it’s easy to see a world where Bichette gets priced out of the range Atlanta would feel comfortable with. What is important is that Alex Anthopoulos does not let a potential failed Bichette signing deter him from upgrading the position somehow.
The free agent shortstop market doesn’t have the desire depth Anthopoulos may want, but there are other avenues for improving the position.
Trading for players with bounce back potential, a pitching prospect for an upper minor league shortstop prospect swap, or a completely outside the box move in typical Alex Anthopoulos style all should be on the table this offseason.
No matter what route they take, one thing the Braves cannot do is hand the keys to shortstop to Nick Allen in 2026. With their recent lineups it’s becoming clear that Atlanta’s front office recognizes that too.
