​IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectThe Atlanta Braves stand at a crossroads this winter. The team needs to decide how to keep their ace on the mound and fix a broken lineup. Three specific numbers from the 2026 season show exactly where the pressure lies. These figures are the map for the front office.The Ace and the Rotation DepthChris Sale posted a 196 Adjusted ERA+ in his third year with Atlanta. According to MLB.com, only Greg Maddux and Reynaldo López have ever posted a better mark for the Braves in a season with at least 25 starts. Sale threw his four-seamer at 96.1 mph on average. This was the highest velocity of his career. He did not miss a single day due to injury.The key to his success was rest. The team gave him extra days off between starts. This worked perfectly for a pitcher in his age-37 season. But the rotation behind him is shaky. According to MLB.com, the sole current members forecasted to log at least 25 starts in the coming season are Sale, Grant Holmes, and Bryce Elder. Reynaldo López has a right shoulder issue that will likely limit him. Spencer Schwellenbach faces great uncertainty with a screw in his right elbow.The Braves have young talent like Spencer Strider and AJ Smith-Shawver. But they also have questions about their health and role. If Schwellenbach and Strider are healthy, should they start or pitch out of the bullpen? The team might need to add two starters this winter to keep Sale fresh. Re-signing Tyler Mahle would be a big win. Without him, the depth could run thin.The Shortstop Hole and the Dubón DecisionThe offense was a major problem in 2024. The Braves received a 67 Weighted Runs Created Plus from the shortstop position. This means the production at that spot was 33 percent below league average. The team also struggled at third base, left field, and second base. But the shortstop gap is the most glaring. It might be the easiest to fix.Mauricio Dubón proved he can handle the position. When playing shortstop, Dubón produced a 115 wRC+. He also had a Fielding Run Value of +3. He showed he could be an everyday player. The question is whether to make him the starter or keep him as a versatile utility man. One year ago, the Braves landed him because the Astros did not want to pay him approximately $6 million.Keeping Dubón as the everyday shortstop makes sense. If the team moves him to other spots, they leave a huge hole at shortstop. The Braves must decide if his versatility is more valuable than his bat at shortstop. The answer seems clear based on the 115 wRC+ he posted there.Looking at the Farm SystemWhile the big league team faces tough choices, the farm system is getting better. The Braves have young stars ready to help. Eric Hartman, the team’s No. 1 prospect, hit 24 homers and stole 38 bases in 94 games for High-A Rome. He entered the year as the No. 20 prospect and finished as a Top 40 prospect. But he hit just .182 with a .577 OPS after a promotion to Double-A. He must improve against better pitchi