The Atlanta Braves entered this offseason with two glaring question marks amongst their position player group. The first was a need for a corner outfield bat as the Jarred Kelenic experiment failed in 2024. The next is the next to nothing offensive production they got from the shortstop position last season.
That of course is thanks to veteran Orlando Arcia who really struggled at the plate in 2024. Because of Arcia's struggles many fans have been dreaming of an upgrade at shortstop since the final out against San Diego.
The national media is in agreement as well, as many rumblings around free agent shortstops often have the Braves listed as possible suitors alongside.
Recently, Bleacher Report listed Arcia as the most likely player to be traded this offseason currently on Atlanta's roster. They point out the Braves are looking to upgrade shortstop, and lesser teams could see Arcia as a playable defense first veteran.
I think trading Arcia (who's set to make $2 million in 2025) isn't very likely, but a move to the bench/utility role could present itself if the right shortstop comes to Atlanta. That still feels like a longshot, and I think Alex Anthopoulos sees it that way as well. Hence, why he acquired more middle infield depth earlier this month by trading with the A's.
Expect Arcia to remain in Atlanta unless the offseason gets very wild
While many national sites are indicating the Braves desperately need to move on from Arcia (and I'm not disagreeing with them) the fact is you need a player that is a real upgrade. There are plenty of lateral type moves AA could make, but outside of Adames not many true shortstop upgrades have been linked to Atlanta this offseason.
Atlanta's in a tough spot. They know Arcia was one of the worst qualified hitters in baseball last season. They also know that the supply of attainable shortstop upgrades is simply very low. And with needs on the roster elsewhere, running Arcia back out there everyday becomes more and more likely because he is playing on next to nothing as far as salary.
Many across the sport are pushing for the Braves to move on from Arcia at shortstop, but until someone better becomes available or Atlanta gets ready to fork out real money/prospects it's probably going to be at lot more painful at-bats from the Braves' primary shortstop in 2025.