After Dansby Swanson departed the Atlanta Braves in free agency, Orlando Arcia quickly stepped in as manager Brian Snitker’s go-to shortstop. Arcia made the most of the opportunity, earning his first All-Star selection in 2023 by batting .264 with 17 home runs and 65 RBIs. He proved to be a valuable contributor at the bottom of a stacked Braves lineup.
However, by 2025, a sharp and sudden drop in Arcia’s performance, combined with the emergence of Nick Allen, led to Arcia being released by Atlanta. The Colorado Rockies recently picked him up, as they continue searching for solutions wherever they can find them.
With Allen now expected to hold down the starting shortstop role, the Braves are looking at internal options to back him up. Players like Eli White and Luke Williams, both of whom have some infield experience, could step in if needed. Still, perhaps the most intriguing option is Tim Anderson, a former All-Star who was recently designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Angels.
Signing Anderson wouldn’t dramatically change the Braves’ season, but it would strengthen their depth at a key position. Although Anderson has hit under .250 for three straight seasons and his power numbers have declined, his strong defensive skills and past success as a two-time All-Star suggest he still has something to offer at the major league level.
- Tim Anderson
For the Braves, bringing in Anderson would be a classic low-risk, high-reward move. Given his recent struggles, Atlanta could likely sign him to an inexpensive one-year deal, making the move a smart experiment with little downside.
The biggest challenge might be convincing Anderson to accept a lesser role. As a 10-year veteran and former everyday player, transitioning to a bench role could be difficult. He may prefer signing with a team that can guarantee regular playing time. But if Anderson is willing to embrace a supporting role, he could be just the kind of experienced presence the Braves need to fill the void left by Arcia.
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