The Atlanta Braves appear poised for a bounce-back season after a 2024 campaign looked like the roster couldn't catch a break. Atlanta's quiet offseason can be easily understood when you look at the players expected to take a step forward and return from injuries. The Braves did make the notable addition of Jurickson Profar.
Still, Atlanta has a number of concerns including pitching depth in both the rotation and bullpen. However, no concern is bigger than what the Braves are going to get from the shortstop position. Orlando Arcia is in the middle of a dismal spring performance after taking a huge step back in offensive production during the 2024 season. Arcia's value for much of the last two seasons is completely reliant on his glove. The Braves have reason to wonder if it is time to demote Arcia and hope to find a surprise contributor.
Orlando Arcia Is Easily Atlanta’s Biggest Concern Moving Into the 2025 Season
Arcia is on a very reasonable deal and has a lot of value as a utility player. The Braves needed to make a move in the 2025 offseason to put Arcia back into this role. The only path now is hoping Nick Allen's surprise spring performance isn't the outlier it appears but a young player proving himself capable of taking a starting role.
Allen's strong spring serves as a reminder as to just how wide open the position should be after Arcia's recent struggles. The shortstop hit .218 last year and wasn't a reliable option when it mattered most. In the postseason, Arcia has only three hits in the past two seasons. His most memorable postseason outing was sparking the Phillies' win in the 2023 playoffs.
Arcia didn't have an answer for Harper's stare down on the field or at the plate. The moment was too big for Atlanta's starter and this should have been the moment the Braves realized they needed to demote Arcia back into a utility role. The team opting not to add a starting shortstop for the 2024 season came back to haunt them. Arcia's role was elevated based on the number of injuries the team dealt with.
Unable to live up to even higher expectations, Arcia's production was dismal and left the team every reason to make a move. When you're attempting to chase down-loaded Dodgers and Phillies rosters, you can't afford to have this glaring of a weakness. The Braves badly need Arcia to turn back the clock to the start of the 2023 season or to find a surprise starter capable of putting together consistently competitive at-bats.