Braves Make Tough Decision on Shortstop Orlando Arcia
The Braves have decided to move on from struggling shortstop Orlando Arcia.
With Ronald Acuna Jr. back from the injured list on Friday, Atlanta designated Arcia for assignment to create room for the star outfielder.
Arcia, 30, has had a rough start to the 2025 season, posting a .194 batting average and .445 OPS over 14 games. He was benched at the end of April in favor of defensively skilled Nick Allen.
Since being traded to Atlanta halfway through the 2021 season, Arcia has mainly served as a utility player. His best season came in 2023, following Dansby Swanson’s departure to the Cubs, when he stepped in as the starting shortstop. That year, he hit .264 with 25 doubles in 139 games, which earned him his only All-Star appearance.
However, Arcia couldn’t maintain that level of performance the next season, struggling significantly with a dip in batting average and accumulating a career-high 128 strikeouts.
Meanwhile, Nick Allen, the 26-year-old replacement, has also faced challenges at the plate, batting just .289 without hitting a home run in 42 games. It seems he’s a temporary solution for the Braves as they seek a more permanent fix.
MLB Network Analyst Dan O’Dowd recently suggested that the Braves should consider acquiring Bo Bichette from the Blue Jays. He noted, “I think the Braves need bats, but I think they need bats like that. They have struggled to find consistent shortstops for years.”
O’Dowd emphasized the importance of offensive shortstops in the lineup, stating, “It’s a deal the Braves really need to plug that position.” However, he expressed uncertainty about whether the Blue Jays would be willing to part with Bichette, given their ambitions this season.
“I think the Blue Jays are just too all-in to do that this season,” he added. “For the fans and Vlad Jr., it would feel like a reconstruction trade, but they haven’t extended him yet.”
Currently, the Braves find themselves at a disappointing 24-25, trailing the first-place Phillies by 7.5 games in the NL East.
