When the Atlanta Braves opted to cut ties with veteran shortstop Orlando Arcia, it appeared to be a rare correct decision for the front office. Arcia's offense had continued to dip, and current starter Nick Allen had proven to be the superior option. Even if Allen's early offensive surge didn't continue, the team understood the upgrade in speed and defense the former top Athletics prospect provided. With this in mind, it was time to give Arcia a fresh start and allow the veteran a chance at playing time.
After exiting Atlanta, the shortstop was offered a Major League deal by the Rockies and quickly joined the team's starting lineup. This doesn't come as a surprise when you consider the franchise is the worst in the National League and desperate for anything close to capable production. However, since joining the starting lineup, Arcia hasn't been the expected answer, going 0/15 in his last four games, watching his average dip to .173 on the season.
Former Braves Shortstop Orlando Arcia Heading for Forced Retirement
If this level of struggles continues, even the lowly Rockies are going to run out of patience. While Arcia is likely to garner more minor league opportunities, things will quickly grow difficult for the former All-Star. The shortstop has shown two straight years of inconsistent production at the plate and a poor ability to adjust.
Until Arcia is willing to show a consistent level of patience at the plate, there simply isn't going to be a viable path to his career continuing. A forced retirement is very much on the table for a player whose defensive value has regressed along with his offensive performance. There simply isn't a reason to justify continuing to put the veteran into any starting lineup as long as this continues.
With this in mind, the Braves may not have only ended Arcia's time in Atlanta but in the league altogether. The former Brave will be remembered for his impressive run in the first half of the 2022 season as well as his valuable contributions as a utility player. Whether or not this is the end, Arcia cannot be blamed for the last two years after being put into a role the veteran was never suited for. His continual failures are on the shoulders of an increasingly cheap organization that continues to refuse to make obvious upgrades.