Player Snapshot: Orlando Arcia
Orlando Arcia is set to play his third season with the Atlanta Braves, but his role this year could increase significantly. He was traded from the Milwaukee Brewers to the Braves in 2021 for Patrick Weigel and Chad Sobotka, and has alternated being the primary infield backup with starting at 2nd base last year after an injury to Ozzie Albies.
There has been some uncertainty with the shortstop position, thanks to a possible injury suffered by Vaughn Grissom. (Ed note: This was reported by Peter Gammons in the wake of Grissom's option to AAA Gwinnett, but many around the team believe it's not the case.)
This will thrust Arcia into a massive role for the Braves as the everyday shortstop, at least to open the season.
Let's take a look at Arcia's stats from 2022.
2022: .244 BA/ 51 H/ 30 RBI/ 9 HR/ 9 2B/ 21 BB/ 67 G
Arcia has had error troubles in his past playing shortstop, but for the most part, he is a sure-handed fielder.
The key for Arica at the plate will be to cut down on the strikeouts. He struck out 51 times a season ago in 209 at-bats which is not great.
If Arcia is the everyday shortstop, the Braves don't need him to have any kind of career year, although it would be nice. The Braves need him to play a solid shortstop, make the routine plays, have a batting average over .230, and get on base at the bottom of the lineup sometimes so the mashers have runners on base.
There is reason to think that Arcia can surprise with the bat, however:
If Arcia can do this, shortstop won't be a position where the Braves excel, but it will be enough to get by thanks to the stars all around him.
Click here for our thoughts on the current shortstop drama happening with the Braves.
Orlando Arcia Bio and Notes
Age: 28
Number: 11
How he joined the Braves: Traded from Milwaukee Brewers in 2021.
MLB Debut: 8/2/16.
Contract Information
2yrs/$3M (22-23) & 2024 team option
The Braves shortstop made $1,600,000 last year.
Career Accomplishments
Led MLB in putouts in 2017. (253)
Upcoming Accomplishments
Arcia will surpass the 500 career hit mark this season as he currently sits at 488.
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