Comparing Swanson and Arcia ahead of the upcoming Braves vs. Cubs series

The Atlanta Braves take on Dansby Swanson and the Chicago Cubs today for the first time since Dansby departed. We examine which player has been better in 2023.

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The Atlanta Braves lost their former leader and World Series Champion Dansby Swanson this past offseason. The Braves "settled" for Orlando Arcia to begin the season as the starting shortstop. Many fans believed the Braves would go get a free agent, make a splashy trade, or go with one of the two hot prospects in Vaughn Grissom or Braden Shewmake.

Instead, they surprised many people (not me) and went with the veteran part-timer Orlando Arcia. Not only did they announce Arcia would be open the season as the starting shortstop, but they also signed him to an extension! The Braves locked Arcia up on a three-year deal worth $7.3 million just before opening day. Meanwhile, Dansby Swanson signed a seven-year, $177 million contract with the Cubbies.


Swanson earned the big contract but he just wasn't worth the risky investment to the Braves. Now that the Braves are meeting the Cubs for the first time since Dansby Swanson left us, we take a look at how the two shortstops have compared thus far in 2023.

Table of Contents

  1. Swanson vs. Arcia: 2023 Salaries
  2. Swanson vs. Arcia: Defensive Statistics
  3. Swanson vs. Arcia: Offensive Stats
  4. Conclusion: Who is Better, Dansby Swanson or Orlando Arica?

Swanson vs. Arcia: 2023 Salaries

Dansby Swanson: $14,000,000

Orlando Arcia: $2,300,000

Schedule