Heading into the 2025 season one of Atlanta's biggest concerns was Orlando Arcia and the team's future at shortstop. Arcia became the team's starter in 2023 after the departure of Dansby Swanson in free agency. The move appeared to be a huge win for Atlanta, with Arcia putting up shocking production in the first half of the season. This would fade down the stretch, however, and the shortstop's struggles would bridge into the 2024 season as well.
This led to a lot of speculation that the team could look to add to the position in the offseason. Arcia is on an incredibly cheap contract and carries a lot of value as a utility bench option. Still, the Braves opted to have Arcia return without any clear competition. Even with Arcia's awful spring, Atlanta manager Brian Snitker continued to defend Arcia.
Nick Allen is Making it Impossible for the Braves to Put Arcia Back in the Starting Lineup
Snitker's defense came despite the surprise emergence of former A's prospect Nick Allen. The shortstop has always had an incredible glove, but put together a shockingly productive spring at the plate. This led to the Braves giving Allen an early start, which led to back-to-back starts against the Dodgers. Out of the three games Allen has started, the shortstop has hit safely in each, providing two stolen bases while playing incredible defense.
Arcia's biggest selling point for the Braves was the fact that the team only needed limited offensive production. When Atlanta's lineup is clicking, they can plug Arcia into the bottom of the lineup and count on the reliable defense and occasional offensive production. This is the same argument you can use for Allen, only the shortstop is a superior defender and through three games, is providing far superior at-bats.
To be fair, this is three games in an absolute marathon of a season. However, it wouldn't be fair if it wasn't pointed out how great Allen has looked at the position. Offering a superior glove and, for the moment, proving to be more productive at the plate, the Braves have an unexpected decision on their hands.
In a season full of bad news, Nick Allen is an exciting early story that could give Atlanta a surprise answer and send Orlando Arcia back to the bench.