On Friday, the Braves announced they have designated infielder Orlando Arcia for assignment to clear a roster spot for returning All-Star Ronald Acuña Jr., whose activation from the injured list is now official.
Atlanta initially acquired Arcia from the Brewers in exchange for right-handers Patrick Weigel and Chad Sobotka. Though Arcia struggled during his partial 2021 season with the Braves, the team still signed him to a guaranteed two-year, $3 million deal to cover his final arbitration years. This contract included a club option for 2024, giving Atlanta an extra year of control.
In 2022, Arcia delivered solid utility contributions (.244/.316/.416 across 268 plate appearances). Impressed, the Braves replaced his prior deal with a new contract in March 2023, guaranteeing him $7.3 million from 2023 through 2025, plus a club option for 2026. Initially, this seemed like a savvy move by GM Alex Anthopoulos, as Arcia unexpectedly made the 2023 All-Star team, stepping in for former shortstop Dansby Swanson. However, after a strong first half, Arcia’s performance declined, and he has struggled offensively since.
This season, Arcia lost his starting shortstop role to Nick Allen, a light-hitting but excellent defender. Arcia has had limited opportunities—just 32 plate appearances—posting a 6-for-31 record with five singles and a double. Since August 2023, his slash line stands at a disappointing .238/.292/.380 with an 83 wRC+, a 20.4% strikeout rate, and a 6.8% walk rate.
Arcia is still owed $1.376 million of his $2 million salary for this year. His contract also includes a $2 million club option with a $1 million buyout, making the total guaranteed amount $2.376 million. This relatively modest commitment might attract a team in need of infield depth willing to take a chance on him.
However, the more likely scenario is that Arcia will be released, as is common for veterans with guaranteed contracts who clear waivers midseason. If other teams show interest in a trade, Atlanta could offer to pay part of the remaining salary to sweeten the deal. The Braves have five days to complete a trade before placing Arcia on waivers, which is a 48-hour process, ensuring the DFA resolution happens within a week. They can also place him on release or outright waivers at any time during this period.
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