Braves Year in Review: Orlando Arcia Pressed into Action

Entering the 2022 season off a freshly signed two-year, $3M contract extension (with a club option for 2024), Orlando Arcia was expected to serve as the primary infield backup for the Atlanta Braves off the bench. The guy who could fill in at second, third, short, and even left field when needed. He can spell a guy who needed a day off or even serve as a pinch hitter off the bench. With the newly implemented Designated Hitter in the National League, Arcia’s role figured to be limited, but the glove figured to provide solid value.

Unfortunately, an injury to Ozzie Albies forced Orlando Arcia into a much bigger role. He was the starting second baseman. While he served well, as the starter, there were times the Braves certainly lacked production from the second baseman in the lineup. Arcia would also suffer an injury that led to the callup of Vaughn Grissom. So how was Arcia’s season?

How much did Orlando Arcia help the Atlanta Braves in 2023?

Overall, Arcia did have a great year considering the role he had entering 2022. In 68 games played, he hit .244/.316/.416 with 9 HR, 25 R, 30 RBI, .321 wOBA & 104 wRC+. Defensively, he was solid with 1 run prevented and 1 OAA according to Baseball Savant. All one can really ask for from a guy replacing a star like Ozzie Albies.

It is important to note that Arcia was much better, at least offensively, in his backup role. It may just be coincidental, or it could be he was exposed more in a regular role. However, there is drop off in his numbers. I’ll break it into three sections: Pre Ozzie Albies injury, Orlando Arcia starter-injury, After Arcia’s injury.

• April 8th-June 13th (56 PA): .313/.393/.458 1 HR, 4 R, 8 RBI, .371 wOBA, 139 wRC+
• June 14th-August 9th (140 PA):.216/.293/.384 6 HR, 16 R, 18 RBI, .299 wOBA, 89 wRC+
• September 23rd-October 5th (38 PA): .250/.289/.472 2 HR, 5 R, 4 RBI, .328 wOBA, 109 wRC+

A mixed bag but he seemed to perform better in a bench or platoon role. That is fine though, team’s need Orlando Arcia’s that can provide help off the bench. Without Arcia being able to fill in for Albies, where would the Braves have even been in 2022? He is a quality player that the Braves are fortunate to have and should continue to be such in 2023.

The former top prospect of the Milwaukee Brewers struggled to find himself early in his career. After being traded to the Braves, he has found himself and a home in Atlanta.