Braves to Extend Starting Shortstop Orlando Arcia
The Atlanta Braves have extended starting shortstop Orlando Arcia, giving him a three-year extension worth $7.3 million. The deal replaces Arcia's current deal and gives the Braves control through the 2025 season. The deal also comes with a club option for 2026.
It marks another twist in the Braves shortstop saga.
At the beginning of spring training, it was a foregone conclusion that the Braves starting shortstop would be young prospect Vaughn Grissom. Instead, Arcia now has the job and has some long-term security.
Arcia will now make $2.3 million this year, and $2 million in each of 2024 and 2025. Reports indicate that the 2026 option is also for $2 million and comes with a $1 million buyout.
The 28-year-old Arcia will now be under team control through age 31.
He's entering his eighth Major League season. He spent parts of six years with the Brewers and has spent the last year and a half with the Braves. This will be year three in Atlanta.
Arcia is a career .243 hitter who is coming off a season in which he hit .244. He hit nine home runs and posted 30 RBIs in 2022.
The Braves are fortunate that they don't need Arcia to be a force offensively. They are blessed with one of the top offenses in the National League, featuring MVP-candidates Austin Riley and Ronald Acuna Jr.
A full season from Ozzie Albies and the addition of Sean Murphy should help as well. Matt Olson hit eight home runs this spring.
The Braves open up the season today at the Nationals. First pitch is 1:05 p.m. ET.
