Orlando Arcia’s lack of offensive productivity has prompted the Atlanta Braves to consider infield options for the upcoming season and beyond.
In 2024, Arcia hit just.218 with a.625 OPS as the Braves’ primary shortstop. A team like the Braves, which wants to compete with the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League, needs a more productive batter.
The potential to sign an infielder to replace Arcia is dwindling, but the Braves still have one free agency alternative to help strengthen the team.
Jorge Polanco is coming off of one of the worst seasons in his career offensively, but there is reason to believe he can bounce back.
Even after hitting just .213 in 2024 with the Seattle Mariners, Polanco is a .262 career hitter with a 109 OPS+ (100 is average). Hitting is contagious, and the Mariners struggled as a team in that regard last season.
Polanco joining the Braves would allow him to complete a mental reset. He’s proven over the course of his career that he can hit at a high level. Bringing him in would allow the team to feel better about the shortstop position despite his poor production from last year.
He is expected to sign a four-year, $54.7-million contract. However, his bad performance in 2024 may allow the Braves to contract him for less. If hitting coach Tim Hyers can help Polanco regain his old form, the NL East’s lineup will be more balanced and competitive.
