Bakmut is not in the middle of the front or or between major centers.  Look at the map.  https://deepstatemap.live

It was in between major centers and that's why it was heavily fortified but the Russians had since took over the eastern part bordering Bakhmut so that point is moot.

It is a very heavily fortified front with lots of trenches, forts and armaments.  After Russia broke through this front, there are no fortifications for a while.  Basically, Russia can gain a lot of territory  Into the Sloviansk and Kramatorsk which can flank the Ukrainian forces fighting in the north. 

The Bakhmut battle is also a black hole sucking more Ukranian lives and equipment.  It is so heavily fortified and a lot of resources are put there, the take over will impact the Ukranians significantly.  

The Russian southern front is in a holding pattern. After Bakhmut falls, I suspect the Russian will start the push to take over Zaporizhzhia which in turn will allow the forces to cross over the Dnieper river to fight in Kherson.