It isn't a secret that SS Orlando Arcia is the weak spot in a loaded Atlanta Braves lineup. It didn't help matters that Arcia's production took a step back in the 2024 season while the lineup was decimated by injuries.
When Dansby Swanson signed with the Chicago Cubs two years ago, the move to Arcia made sense. Swanson was overpaid and Arcia was a great bridge shortstop who could be carried by an incredible lineup. However, that theory was quickly exposed in the 2023 playoffs.
Arcia had a moment against the Phillies that would serve as a rallying cry during a series victory for Philly. The shortstop's only counter was to respond to the Philly fans by having no answer at the plate or when Bryce Harper stared the shortstop down. This was the warning sign the Braves needed to make a move and still team went into the 2024 season without an answer at the position.
Orlando Arcia is a Great UItility player But Not a Starting Shortstop for a Serious Playoff Team
Predictably, Arcia's numbers dropped off in the 2024 season regressing in every meaningful way. The shortstop's defense was the one saving grace for a player put into an undeserved role. Opting not to re-sign Dansby Swanson always made sense for Atlanta. A team that prides itself on locking up franchise players early at a team-friendly rate was always going to let Swanson walk away. This isn't to say the team made a mistake in that decision, but rather pointing out the reality of where they now find themselves.
Arcia gave you one great season in 2023 and followed it up with a playoff implosion and an awful 2024 season. When the games mattered most down the stretch Arcia's AB's were impossible to watch. The shortstop put together some truly awful swings unable to stay disciplined or give his team a chance when it mattered most.
The sample size remains far too large to ignore, Arcia has shown the Braves exactly who he is and what the ceiling is going to be. Yes, with a loaded lineup and great pieces around him, this team is still going to be great in the regular season. However, when the postseason rolls around, your weak link is going to be exposed, and as the 2023 season showed for Atlanta that is Arcia.
If the Braves are serious about competing with the league's top teams and taking a run at a loaded Dodgers roster a change must be made. Arcia cannot be the team's starting shortstop when the 2025 postseason rolls around. The Braves must make a move and put the veteran in the utility role he is far better suited to fill. Until that happens, Atlanta's weak link remains obvious and will come back to bite them.
As things stand, the Braves have the third-best odds to win the World Series (+900) at FanDuel Sportsbook while the Dodgers sit at +240.
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