One of the most surprising stories of Atlanta's early 2025 season has been the team's change at shortstop. Even heading into Opening Day, manager Brian Snitker was defensive of struggling starter Orlando Arcia.
It appeared Nick Allen was simply a great spring training story that would become a part of Atlanta's bench unit. Allen was a former top A's prospect who brought a proven glove but simply hadn't offered anything close to reliable production at the plate. His impressive at-bats in spring training could have been shrugged off as an outlier.
However, the Braves rewarded Allen not only with a roster spot but a chance to platoon with Orlando Arcia. The young shortstop seized the opportunity and has become the clear starter. While Allen hasn't been incredibly productive at the plate, the quality of his at-bats is superior to what Arcia has offered over the last year. Adding to the decision is the fact that Allen is the superior defender at this stage of his career as well.
Nick Allen Has Been a Surprise Breakout Performer for the Braves
If Atlanta can get Ronald Acuna Jr. back healthy and Jarred Kelenic out of the lineup, there is reason to believe Allen's start is sustainable. The shortstop can be put into the final spot in Atlanta's lineup and simply needs to hit above the Mendoza line. The value of his speed, defense, and hustle makes this a sustainable fit for the rest of the season or until this year's trade deadline.
Atlanta still needs to consider looking at making an offensive upgrade either at the trade deadline or at the end of the 2025 season. Orlando Arcia carries value as a utility player with extensive starting experience. This is an asset on Atlanta's bench, leaving the next weeks of Nick Allen's season to determine what the Braves do next.
If Allen is able to be a surprise offensive producer, the team could begin to view the impressive defender as a long-term option. It seems the more likely path is Allen's hot start buying the Braves time to survey the market and consider what upgrades they could possibly make to a position that has cost the team offensively each of the last three seasons.
Regardless of how it plays out, Allen's hot start and taking the starting role have been a fun story to follow. One Atlanta needs to continue if they are going to continue their recent surge in attempts to turn the season around.