Shortstop has been the single biggest hole for the Atlanta Braves since Dansby Swanson signed with the Chicago Cubs following the 2022 season.

Orlando Arcia had his moment during the first half of 2023, earning his first All-Star appearance, but was a replacement-level player from that point forward. He was eventually supplanted by Nick Allen last season, who, while elite defensively, offered virtually nothing at the plate.

Atlanta finally began to get some production from the position late last season when they claimed Ha-Seong Kim off waivers. He re-signed this offseason, but due to injury, it’s been Mauricio Dubón at shortstop for much of the first five weeks — and he’s capitalized on the opportunity, establishing himself as a key piece of this roster.

With Kim and Dubón, the position is in a better spot than it has been at any point since Swanson’s departure. That said, neither profiles as a long-term solution. Both are on one-year deals, and while they form a respectable tandem, there’s little to suggest either is the everyday answer for the next several seasons.

The long-term solution likely resides in the farm system, and several candidates are off to strong starts.

Jim Jarvis

Not many remember Rafael Montero’s brief stint in Atlanta. Acquired in a deal with the Houston Astros early last season, he posted a 5.50 ERA over 36 appearances. It was surprising he wasn’t designated for assignment sooner, and even more surprising when the Braves flipped him to the Detroit Tigers for shortstop prospect Jim Jarvis.

Jarvis wasn’t a highly regarded prospect at the time, hitting just two home runs with a .671 OPS between Double-A and Triple-A last year. He projected as a depth infielder at best at the major-league level; however, through 32 games this season with Gwinnett, there are indications he could exceed that evaluation. He’s hitting north of .300 with a .426 OBP, four home runs, 20 RBIs, and 15 stolen bases. The athleticism is evident, and the contact ability is legit. He still projects best as a utility option, but sustained production at this level could force a reevaluation.

John Gil

John Gil was highlighted as a name to watch entering 2026, and the early returns have only reinforced that outlook. An elite athlete, Gil began to show real offensive development late last season and has carried that into this year, hitting .290 with four home runs, 18 stolen bases, and an .859 OPS with High-A Rome.

A promotion to Double-A Columbus appears imminent, and that jump should provide a much clearer indication of his long-term ceiling. At just 20 years old, he currently fits the profile of a potential “shortstop of the future,” possessing the tools to develop into an impact player at the major-league level.

Tate Southisene

Tate Southisene, the 22nd overall pick out of high school last year, remains a few years away, but the early returns are encouraging — particularly for a player some evaluators believed was over-drafted.

Through 26 games with Low-A Augusta, he’s hitting .271 with a .920 OPS. He’s getting on base at a .441 clip and has already launched four home runs, flashing intriguing power for a 19-year-old. It’s still early, but the underlying traits point to a player trending in the right direction.

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(Photo by Larry Radloff/Icon Sportswire)