An insider claims the Braves could trade for a Marlins All-Star to address the shortstop position.

The Atlanta Braves are starting to see that they have a problem—one that they did not anticipate.

Star outfielders Ronald Acuña Jr. and Michael Harris II have sustained injuries that have left the lineup depleted. Orlando Arcia, a 2023 All-Star, hasn’t suffered any injuries, though. He’s simply not very good at the plate.

Arcia’s league-worst.245 on-base percentage suggests that the Braves are searching the trade market for an offensive shortstop replacement. And according to a Major League Baseball insider, the solution might lie in acquiring a division competitor.

The Athletic’s Jim Bowden responded to queries about the trade deadline in a mailbag column published on Wednesday. Jazz Chisholm Jr. of the Miami Marlins could be headed to Atlanta, according to Bowden.

“I do like Chisholm’s fit with the Braves and think their clubhouse culture would do him wonders,” Bowden stated.

If Chisholm keeps healthy, the 26-year-old will undoubtedly provide Atlanta with an offensive upgrade. Chisholm has averaged 27 home runs and 31 stolen bases per 162 games in his five-year career, despite never having played more than 124 games in a season.

But wait a second. Despite being an excellent athlete, Chisholm hasn’t played shortstop since 2021. In what sense does Atlanta get any closer to a solution by getting him?

According to Bowden, the solution is to switch a player who has never played shortstop in his major league career to the position.

“I would have no problem moving Ozzie Albies over to shortstop because he’s a plus defender there too,” Bowden stated.

To be fair, Dansby Swanson’s presence kept Albies from getting a chance at shortstop in the main leagues despite the fact that he was regarded as a superb defender in the minor levels. Still, it’s undoubtedly a cutting-edge approach.

Is it unrealistic to think that Chisholm or Albies could play shortstop? It might be worth it to upgrade to the offensive. Both begin with an OPS of seven, but Arcia’s is, naturally, halfway to the ocean floor.
It all comes down to Alex Anthopoulos’s ability to think creatively. Similar faith is needed in this decision, since the Braves have had remarkable success this season in making Reynaldo López a full-time starter.