This continues a series discussing the biggest offseason questions facing the Braves. If you missed any previous editions to this series, follow the links below.
- Should Braves trade Jorge Soler?
- How will the Braves replace Max Fried?
- Will the Braves retain A.J. Minter?
- Time to make a splash in the outfield?
Can the Braves replace Orlando Arcia?
There might not be a Braves fan walking this planet that wants to see Orlando Arcia starting at shortstop in 2025, and Alex Anthopoulos is probably in that same boat. Unfortunately, replacing him is much easier said than done.
Arcia was named an All-Star in 2023, setting career-highs across the board offensively while playing Gold Glove caliber defense. But it was a bit of fool’s gold, and regression smashed him right in the face this year. Arcia barely hit over the Mendoza Line. He did mash 17 homers, tying his career-high from 2023, but he was dismal with runners in scoring position, and his .625 OPS is not good enough to start in any lineup, let alone one with World Series aspirations.
There’s no question Arcia is much better served as a super utility piece, a guy who can offer the Braves above average defense all over the diamond, and that’s what he’s being paid like. He’s scheduled to make $2 million in 2025 and has a $2 million club option for 2026.
But that contract is also what makes Orlando Arcia so appealing as a starter. This is a club that already has a lot of money tied into its roster without adding anything, and shortstop isn’t the only hole to fill. The Braves need to shape up their outfield and, like every team, could stand to bolster their pitching staff. It might be best for Alex Anthopoulos to utilize whatever resources he has at his disposal to address those areas because there surely aren’t a lot of enticing options available in free agency.
The headliner of this winter’s shortstop free agent class is Willy Adames. He’d be a massive upgrade over Orlando Arcia, but he’s also going to cost a pretty penny. It’s not like the Braves to win a bidding war for a top free agent, especially one that could cost close to $200 million.
A more realistic upgrade could be Ha-Seong Kim. He’s been a do-it-all player for the Padres and could opt out of his contract this winter. However, he is coming off a season-ending injury and may not be ready for Opening Day, so he might believe it’s best to opt in and re-enter free agency next year when he’s healthy.
Outside of those two, there aren’t better options available in free agency. If the Braves are going to replace Orlando Arcia, it’s most likely going to happen one of two ways — through trade or internally. The internal option being Nacho Alvarez if he can prove he’s ready for the show at some point next season.
Like free agency, though, there likely won’t be many trade options available, and the ones that are might cost a good bit of prospect capital. Bo Bichette is a name to keep an eye on if the Blue Jays finally decide to pull the plug and rebuild, which they probably should have done two years ago. But because of Bichette’s concerns defensively, a more realistic option could be Nico Hoerner of the Chicago Cubs. He’s spent most of the last two years at second base next to Dansby Swanson but is plenty capable of playing shortstop. He also has a couple of years of team control remaining at a very palatable rate, owed $11.5 million in 2025 and $12 million in 2026.
There are avenues Alex Anthopoulos will have to consider this offseason, but when considering the prices, there’s a great chance he finds Orlando Arcia and his $2 million contract the most appealing option.
—
Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire
You must log in to post a comment.