No matter how little value you might place on spring training stats, there is no denying that the Braves have a problem at shortstop. Orlando Arcia making it to the Mendoza line would be over a .100-point jump in average. The shortstop has been a liability at the plate throughout the spring and looks consistently overmatched. Perhaps this wouldn't be as alarming as it is if the Braves hadn't watched the struggles of the past two seasons.
Arcia's spring struggles would be far less noteworthy if it wasn't more of the same from a year ago. This started with the team parting ways with Dansby Swanson and opting to elevate utilityman Arcia into the starting role. For the first half of the 2023 season, this appeared to be a stroke of genius. The shortstop was a surprising offensive force and found a way to come up with consistently clutch hits.
The Braves Must Search for an Answer at Shortstop
Arcia's production fell off a cliff at the end of 2023, culminating into the "atta boy Harper" moment that would spark Atlanta's playoff exit. It was a comment that the shortstop is given unfair heat for when considering the context. However, the shortstop having no answer at the plate in the series and allowing Harper to stare him down unchecked were clear signs that Atlanta needed a change at the position.
Still, the team returned Arcia for the 2024 season, and the lack of offensive production continued. The consistent poor swings and lack of competitive ABs were glaring in an injury-riddled lineup. This leads us into this spring, where Arcia has continued to struggle to put together anything close to competitive at-bats throughout spring training.
Arcia isn't likely to lose his starting role based on spring training stats alone. His elite defense and the idea that the Braves will need very little offensive output from the position will give the veteran a chance to retain his starting role.
However, the Braves have continually ignored the warning signs that Arcia isn't a starter in this league. The veteran is a great utility piece that Atlanta has put in a role that is simply too much responsibility. With the warning signs continuing to flash, the team would be wise to consider both their in-house options and who they could look to add via trade this season.
Orlando Arcia has had great moments in Atlanta and continues to play defense at a high level. Yet, if this team is serious about contending with the behemoth that is the Dodgers lineup, having such a glaring weakness is a liability. Unless Arcia can turn back the clock to the first half of the 2023 season, it is time for Atlanta to make a change.