Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos still open to signing $16M Gold Glover despite acquiring Mauricio Dubon

Hunter Cookston

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Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos still open to signing $16M Gold Glover despite acquiring Mauricio Dubon image

The Atlanta Braves are making early noise in free agency with a series of initial moves. On Wednesday night, the Braves re-signed Raisel Iglesias to a one-year deal, securing their closer for the 2026 season. It was a team-friendly move, but the transaction that drew the most attention was their trade for two-time Gold Glover Mauricio Dubón.

“The Atlanta Braves are acquiring infielder Mauricio Dubón from the Houston Astros for infielder Nick Allen,” ESPN insider Jeff Passan wrote.

This was a strong addition for Atlanta, as Dubón can play almost anywhere on the field. He could also fill the shortstop role if the Braves are unable to land a free agent at the position. However, the Braves aren’t closing the door on reconnecting with Ha-Seong Kim.

“Anthopoulos is open to Dubon beginning the season as the Braves shortstop. But there's also a chance he'll play all over the field. His role will be determined by how the remainder of the offseason goes,” Braves insider Mark Bowman posted.

Even with the trade for a shortstop-capable player, Anthopoulos may not be finished. If the Braves have an opportunity to bring back Kim, they still appear ready to pursue it. The upside is that if Kim does not return to Atlanta, the club will no longer face the severe shortstop dilemma that was expected.

“Because of this thin market, that would incentivise Kim to test the market. For that same reason, it’s even more important that the Braves find a way to retain his services,” wrote SI’s Harrison Smajovits. “If he opts out and signs elsewhere, they could be back to square one with this dilemma. The offense has had its struggles as is, and they have, at least for now, figured out one of the issues.”

Adding Dubón improves the team defensively, but if he ends up playing shortstop every day, the same lingering concern remains: the Braves haven’t had a strong bat at the position, which is why Kim remains a preferred option.

However, Kim’s potential contract may be too expensive for Atlanta. Still, the Braves at least have another defensive standout at shortstop if they don’t add anyone else this winter.

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