The Atlanta Braves got the fourth-worst production out of the shortstop position in baseball last year, thanks in part to exceptionally bad offense from Orlando Arcia. While the Braves could go big with a signing like Willy Adames, another under-the-radar opion could be Ronald Acuña Jr's cousin, Maikel Garcia.
While Garcia's 2024 numbers don't scream "upgrade" in the same way that a splashy acquistion would, he still could offer the Braves a higher ceiling at the position in 2024.
Today's Royals Beat newsletter looks at the #Royals trade market, plus the roster action this week (click the link at the top of this story to read the full thing and subscribe): https://t.co/8RgYwBv8bC
— Anne Rogers (@anne__rogers) November 19, 2024
Why Maikel Garcia makes sense for the Braves starting shortstop in 2025 (and beyond)
Maikel Garcia's 2024 was underwhelming, to put it simply. The Kansas City Royals' third baseman slashed .231/.281/.332 (69 wRC+) and was only worth 1.1 fWAR. In fact, he was the only qualified hitter with a wRC+ worse than the Braves starting shortstop.
This was especially disappointing for the 24-year-old, who was expected to have a breakout season by multiple respected people within the baseball community.
According to Anne Rogers of MLB.com, the infielder has drawn trade interest already, and with the acquisition of Jonathan India, the Royals may be even more willing to make Garcia available.
Garcia's 2024 wasn't entirely forgettable. The third baseman was still worth 4 OAA at third base and 1 OAA at shortstop. His primary position being third base also isn't because of him not being worthy of playing shortstop, but rather his teammate being one of the best in the game.
In addition to being solid defensively, his numbers do indicate some bad BABIP luck. His .260 xBA 29 points lower than his actual average and his .366 xSLG 34 points lower than his actual SLG. All togther, Garcia had the ninth-worst luck in baseball by xwOBA compared to actual wOBA, right behind the Braves' Michael Harris.
Garcia is still a pre-arb player, meaning if the Braves can make the swap, they'd have him for the next four seasons. If the Braves believe that this season was more of a mirage than his actual potential, and if the Royals are selling low, Maikel Garcia could be a perfect target for Atlanta.