The Atlanta Braves have five players heading to Philadelphia for this season's Midsummer Classic. That number is tied for second-most in baseball, trailing only the host Philadelphia Phillies (6).
Despite their strong All-Star representation, Atlanta still has glaring weaknesses on its roster. In particular, the right side of the Braves' infield has struggled mightily. Third basemanAustin Riley has disappointed in 2026, slashing .207/.284/.332 with nine home runs and 41 RBI.
Meanwhile, shortstop has been a revolving door. Ha-Seong Kim, Atlanta's primary shortstop entering the season, has been anything but reliable.
After signing a one-year, $20 million contract during the offseason, Kim's season debut was delayed until May 12 following surgery to repair a torn tendon in his right middle finger. He sustained the injury after slipping on ice shortly after signing the deal.
When healthy, Kim has been virtually nonexistent offensively. In 73 at-bats over 27 games, the 30-year-old has recorded just five hits. His .068/.171/.068 slash line with three RBI has left the Braves searching for answers. He is currently back on the 10-day injured list with right middle finger inflammation.
Jorge Mateo (.242 AVG, four home runs, 11 RBI) and Mauricio Dubón (.273 AVG, nine home runs, 50 RBI) have helped offset Kim's struggles. Additionally, Jim Jarvis has impressed in limited action, batting .292 in 24 at-bats.
Even with those contributions, shortstop remains one of Atlanta's biggest needs ahead of the Aug. 3 trade deadline.
Jeff Passan Names CJ Abrams Dream Match for Braves
In a July 9 article, MLB insider Jeff Passan of ESPN named Washington Nationalsshortstop CJ Abrams a dream trade target for the Braves.
Abrams, 25, was recently named an All-Star for the second time in his career and his first since 2024. He will start at shortstop for the National League in the All-Star Game.
Abrams is enjoying the best season of his career in 2026, slashing .276/.355/.517 with 20 home runs and 67 RBI.
"Of all the dream trades, Abrams going to Atlanta in an intradivision deal is the unlikeliest, even if he would stop Truist Park's revolving door at shortstop," Passan wrote. "Between Jorge Mateo and Mauricio Dubon, the Braves have cobbled together a decent-enough bulwark at shortstop to make up for Ha-Seong Kim's disappearing act. Still, with Tate Southisene and Alex Lodise still in A-ball, there are no long-term solutions in the offing, and at some point Atlanta will do what it takes to ensure that revolving door gets locked."
As Passan noted, the likelihood of Abrams being dealt before the trade deadline remains slim. Washington is also within striking distance of a postseason spot, entering Friday just four games behind the Miami Marlins for the final National League Wild Card spot.
Abrams has played a major role in the Nationals' offense becoming baseball's highest-scoring unit. Washington's 508 runs rank first in MLB this season.
Despite exceeding expectations in 2026, the Nationals continue to balance postseason contention with their long-term rebuild.
On July 6, Passan and Kiley McDaniel gave Abrams just a 15% chance of being traded. If anything, his best chance of being moved would come only if Washington received an offer too good to refuse.
Adding Abrams, who has two years left of club control remaining beyond 2026, would provide Atlanta with an immediate answer at shortstop and bring stability to one of its biggest question marks.
Still, the reality of Abrams being traded, especially to a division rival and fellow contender, remains unlikely.
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The Braves (54-38) lead the National League East by three games entering Friday. However, they have gone just 9-17 since June 9 after opening the season with a blistering 45-21 start. That skid has allowed the surging Phillies and Marlins to climb within three games of first place.
Atlanta opens a road series against the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday at 8:15 pm ET in its final series before the All-Star break.
