Jeff Francoeur Urges Atlanta Braves to Prioritize Elite Shortstop Acquisition

In an attempt to bolster their lineup for the 2025 season, the Atlanta Braves are reportedly poised to make strategic moves during the offseason. One notable voice advocating for change is former Braves player Jeff Francoeur, who has emphasized the need for the team to focus on acquiring an elite shortstop.

During an appearance on “Foul Territory,” Francoeur, a former major-league player turned broadcaster, asserted, “You’ve got to get an elite shortstop, whether it’s Bo Bichette or Willy Adames. You’ve got to get someone that’s got power in that position.” In his view, securing a top-tier shortstop could potentially enhance the depth of the Braves’ lineup, especially if the team can maintain its health.

The Braves encountered significant challenges in 2024, primarily due to injuries that plagued key players such as Ronald Acuña Jr., Austin Riley, and Spencer Strider. Despite these setbacks and finishing second in the National League East following six consecutive division titles, the team is optimistic about a competitive rebound in 2025.

The current shortstop, Orlando Arcia, faced criticism for his offensive performance, particularly with runners in scoring position, as he recorded the lowest slash line among qualified hitters. Emphasizing the need for improvement at this position, Francoeur pointed to both Adames and Bichette as potential upgrades.

Willy Adames, a free agent from the Milwaukee Brewers, distinguished himself with 32 home runs and a .794 OPS, demonstrating both power and defensive capability. In contrast, Bo Bichette, known for his previous two All-Star selections, struggled in 2024 while battling injuries. He is set to become a free agent after 2025, implying that any acquisition before then would require a trade.

While the necessity for an elite shortstop is Francoeur’s primary recommendation, he also recognizes potential needs in other areas, such as the pitching staff. The impending free-agent status of starting pitchers Max Fried and Charlie Morton could impact the rotation. However, Francoeur expressed confidence in the current lineup of Spencer Strider, Reynaldo Lopez, Chris Sale, and Spencer Schwellenbach, suggesting only minor additions might be necessary.

Francoeur concluded that although the bullpen might need reinforcement, particularly with a left-handed pitcher, acquiring a powerful shortstop should remain the Braves’ priority this offseason. As they prepare for 2025, the team appears committed to addressing these pivotal roster considerations to reclaim their position as a dominant force in Major League Baseball.