ESPN insider links Braves to $9.4M World Series MVP, Gold Glover as Ha-Seong Kim replacement originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Atlanta Braves offense has cooled off over the past four to five days, which was expected at some point during the season. However, the most noticeable drop-off has come from the shortstop position, where Ha-Seong Kim has struggled to find his rhythm at the plate.

Kim returned from injury just a few weeks ago, but he still has not fully turned things around offensively. If the slump continues, the pressure on him could quickly escalate.

“Sounds like the Braves may be approaching a crossroads with Ha-Seong Kim. The belief internally may still be there, but if this continues another couple weeks, it feels like a legitimate ‘what are we doing at shortstop?’ conversation is coming,” 680 The Fan’s Chris Dimino said.

Recently, ESPN insider Buster Olney joined 680 The Fan, where he discussed potential moves the Braves could explore. One name Olney mentioned as a possible target was 2022 World Series MVP Jeremy Peña.

“If they were to put Jeremy Pena out there… You drop him in the middle of the Braves lineup, man, someone who’s going to be a free agent – I think that would be like a finishing piece for a Braves team that has high aspirations,” Olney said.

The Braves have long needed a consistent two-way presence at shortstop. Peña’s World Series MVP came during his rookie season, and he is currently working his way back from a hamstring injury.

“Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña joined the club on Wednesday in Baltimore as he continues his recovery from a Grade 1 right hamstring strain that landed him on the 10-day IL on April 12,” MLB.com’s Ian Quillen wrote.

Peña would be a major addition for Atlanta, as the team simply needs more consistent production from the shortstop position. There is no question his defense would play at a high level, but it is his offensive upside that could help the Braves the most.

Peña is currently on a $9.4 million deal and will go to arbitration after this season before becoming a free agent at the end of next year. Atlanta acquiring Peña would be a significant move and could make moving on from Kim a much easier decision if the struggles continue.

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