The Atlanta Braves’ decision to move Orlando Arcia to shortstop following departure worked out well for one season. However, in the second year, it hasn’t looked as promising, leading many analysts to suggest that the Braves shouldn’t commit to Arcia for a third season.
On Tuesday, Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly ranked Atlanta among the top five potential destinations for free-agent shortstop Ha-Seong Kim. Kelly noted that while Arcia hit 17 home runs, he posted a disappointing .218 batting average and a 73 OPS+, far below the league average of 100. Arcia is signed to a team-friendly deal, earning just $2 million in 2025, making him an option for a utility role or a trade to a team in need of infield help. The Braves aren’t obligated to keep him as a starter next season.
Kelly argued that Kim would be a clear upgrade over Arcia and would likely be the type of smart acquisition president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos would make. If Kim joins the Braves, he could be the starting shortstop and potentially an NL All-Star. Kelly suggested that the Braves could offer Kim a qualifying offer next offseason, allowing him to test free agency if he seeks a multi-year deal.
Kelly ranked the Braves as the No. 4 best landing spot for Kim, behind the Los Angeles Dodgers, Detroit Tigers, and Seattle Mariners. Two years ago, Kim received MVP votes in the National League, but after undergoing shoulder surgery in October, he may not be ready for Opening Day in 2025.
The Braves might be cautious about acquiring a player who won’t be fully healthy by March, especially considering the injuries to MVP Ronald Acuña Jr. and ace Spencer Strider. However, Kelly pointed out that Kim might be willing to sign a one-year deal to rebuild his value on the open market, which would allow the Braves to secure him without having to trade for him.
Spotrac projected Kim’s market value at about $12.3 million on an average annual salary, though given the recent lucrative contracts for shortstops, it’s unlikely Kim would accept a deal with that salary. However, the Braves could still sign him for a one-year deal close to that figure.
If Kim is reasonably priced, he could be a solid investment for the Braves. While Arcia hit more home runs than Kim last season, Kim posted a better overall slash line of .233/.330/.370, compared to Arcia’s .218/.271/.354. Kim’s OPS was 75 points higher than Arcia’s in 2024.
If Arcia regains his 2023 form when he made the NL All-Star team, it could change the equation. However, Kim was also superior in 2023, posting a .749 OPS and winning a Gold Glove award. Additionally, Kim is versatile, able to play anywhere on the infield, giving the Braves flexibility if injuries occur to players like Ozzie Albies or Austin Riley. If all players are healthy, the Braves could sign Kim as their everyday shortstop and move Arcia into a utility role.
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