The Atlanta Braves had a disappointing season by their standards. They saw a big regression from Orlando Arcia and could potentially move him if they sign an upgrade in free agency.
While listing each team’s most likely player to be traded, Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly noted that Arcia is the most likely Braves player to be dealt.
“Arcia was an All-Star for the Braves in 2023, hitting 17 home runs with 65 RBI and stepping up after Dansby Swanson departed in free agency,” wrote Kelly. “He homered 17 times again in 2024, but he did so with just a .625 OPS. The Braves may need more consistent offensive production from the position.”
In 2023 Arcia was named to his first All-Star game, and in 2024 it is starting to look like an outlier season. The Braves expected Arcia to carry his success in 2023 into 2024, but it clearly did not happen. Arcia signed a three-year, $7.3 million extension with the Braves before the 2023 season, and it looked like the Braves got him on a bargain.
Arcia could become trade bait with the Braves potentially trying to sign Willy Adames or another premier shortstop. He is still a capable shortstop, but the Braves need more offense from the position.
“If Alex Anthopoulos finds an upgrade at shortstop via free agency or trade, Arcia—who is due just $2 million in 2025 and has a $2 million club option for 2026—could become a trade target,” wrote Kelly. “He would fit with some lesser teams looking for a shortstop, or a contender that believes he could be a jack-of-all-trades fifth infielder.”
About The Author
