No one expected to see Orlando Arcia released by the Braves. While they have internal options to add to their shortstop depth, a perfect opportunity just opened up.
After Dansby Swanson departed the Atlanta Braves through free agency, Orlando Arcia quickly stepped in as Brian Snitker’s regular shortstop. In 2023, Arcia earned his first All-Star selection, posting a batting average of .264 along with 17 home runs and 65 RBIs. He was ideally suited to hit at the bottom of Atlanta’s strong lineup.
Fast forward to 2025, and due to a rapid decline in Arcia’s performance combined with Nick Allen’s impressive contributions, the Braves released Arcia. He has since been signed by the Colorado Rockies, who are seeking solutions wherever they can find them.
While Nick Allen is expected to continue as the Braves’ starting shortstop, the team is considering internal options to bolster that position. Eli White and Luke Williams both have infield experience and could step in if Allen needs a day off or is injured. However, Atlanta’s most promising option might be Tim Anderson, a former All-Star who was recently designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Angels.
Tim Anderson is an ideal fit for Atlanta Braves
While signing Tim Anderson wouldn’t necessarily turn the Braves’ season around, bringing in depth and experience at shortstop would certainly improve the team.
Anderson has struggled with a batting average below .250 over the past three seasons and has seen a significant drop in his power numbers. Nevertheless, as a two-time All-Star with solid defensive skills, he still holds the potential to contribute to a major league team.
Acquiring Anderson would represent a classic ‘low-risk, high-reward’ strategy for the Braves. Given Anderson’s recent struggles, Atlanta could likely secure him on a one-year, cost-effective contract and treat it as an experiment.
Anderson could be a good fit for the Braves, but convincing him might be a challenge. Transitioning from a regular starter to a bench player could be difficult for a veteran like him, especially in his tenth year in the league. He might prefer to ignore offers from contenders in favor of a team where he knows he’ll have a more consistent spot in the lineup. If he can embrace the idea of taking on a role with the Braves, Anderson could be just what Atlanta needs to fill the void left by Arcia.
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