Is Orlando Arcia Trade?

In April 2021, the Milwaukee Brewers made a surprising move by trading shortstop Orlando Arcia to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for pitchers Patrick Weigel and Chad Sobotka.

This trade was a significant transaction for both teams, as Arcia had been a fixture on the Brewers’ roster for several seasons, and the Braves were in need of a shortstop after losing Dansby Swanson to an injury.

This blog post aims to examine the Orlando Arcia trade in depth, discussing Arcia’s career with the Brewers, the details of the trade, his time with the Braves, and his future in the MLB.

By doing so, we hope to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the trade’s significance and impact on both teams.

Orlando Arcia’s Career With the Brewers

Orlando Arcia was signed by the Milwaukee Brewers as an international free agent in 2010 at the age of 16. He spent several years in the Brewers’ minor league system, steadily progressing through the ranks before making his MLB debut in August 2016.

During his time in the minors, Arcia was known for his strong defense and exceptional range at shortstop, which earned him recognition as one of the top prospects in the Brewers’ organization.

Arcia’s MLB debut was highly anticipated, and he did not disappoint. In his rookie season, he played in 55 games and batted .219 with four home runs and 17 RBIs.

Despite his low batting average, Arcia was praised for his defense, earning a Gold Glove nomination and finishing eighth in Rookie of the Year voting. In 2017, Arcia continued to establish himself as a key player on the Brewers’ roster, batting .277 with 15 home runs and 53 RBIs.

He also made several highlight-reel plays in the field, solidifying his reputation as a top-tier defensive shortstop.

However, Arcia’s performance began to decline in the 2020 season. He batted just .260 with a .317 on-base percentage, and his defense was not as strong as it had been in previous years.

As a result, the Brewers made the decision to trade him to the Braves in April 2021. Despite his struggles, Arcia was still a valuable player for the Brewers, and his departure was seen as a significant loss for the team.

The Trade: Brewers Send Arcia to the Braves

On April 6, 2021, the Milwaukee Brewers traded Orlando Arcia to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for pitchers Patrick Weigel and Chad Sobotka.

Weigel, a right-handed pitcher, had spent most of his career in the Braves’ minor league system, while Sobotka was a hard-throwing right-hander who had appeared in 50 MLB games over the previous two seasons.

The trade was seen as a way for the Brewers to acquire some pitching depth while also freeing up space on the roster for other players.

From the Brewers’ perspective, the trade was a way to address their pitching needs while also opening up a spot for Luis Urías, a promising young infielder who had been competing with Arcia for playing time.

The Brewers were also able to acquire two players who had some MLB experience, which was seen as a positive by many fans and analysts.

However, some Brewers fans were disappointed to see Arcia go, as he had been a fan favorite and a key contributor to the team’s success in previous seasons.

From the Braves’ perspective, the trade was a way to address their need for a shortstop after Dansby Swanson went down with an injury.

Arcia was seen as a solid defensive option at the position, and the Braves were hoping that he could provide some stability until Swanson was able to return. The trade was also seen as a low-risk move for the Braves, as they did not have to give up any major assets to acquire Arcia.

The expectations for Arcia with the Braves were somewhat modest. While he was known for his defense, his offensive production had been inconsistent in previous seasons. The Braves were hoping that he could provide some stability at shortstop and be a solid bottom-of-the-order hitter.

However, some Braves fans were optimistic that Arcia could rediscover his offensive form and become a key contributor to the team’s lineup. In the end, Arcia played in 37 games for the Braves, batting .254 with two home runs and 10 RBIs before being optioned to Triple-A in July.

Arcia’s Time With the Braves

After joining the Braves, Arcia struggled at the plate in his first few games, batting just .200 in his first 11 games with the team.

However, he began to show some improvement in May, batting .303 with a .378 on-base percentage over 14 games. Arcia’s defense was solid throughout his time with the Braves, and he made several impressive plays at shortstop.

Arcia’s role on the Braves’ roster was primarily as a backup shortstop and utility infielder.

With Dansby Swanson returning from injury in late May, Arcia saw less playing time at shortstop, but he continued to contribute off the bench, making several key defensive plays and occasional appearances in the starting lineup.

He also saw some time at third base and second base, showcasing his versatility as a defender.

While Arcia’s offensive numbers were not particularly impressive during his time with the Braves, he did make some important contributions to the team’s success. In a game against the New York Mets on May 28, Arcia hit a walk-off single in the ninth inning to give the Braves a 3-2 victory.

He also played a key role in the Braves’ June 2 victory over the Washington Nationals, making a spectacular diving catch in the eighth inning to help preserve the lead.

Overall, while Arcia’s offensive production was not as strong as the Braves had hoped, his defense and versatility were valuable assets for the team.

Despite being optioned to Triple-A in July, Arcia’s time with the Braves was seen as a positive by many fans and analysts, and he was praised for his contributions both on and off the field.

Arcia’s Future With the Braves and Beyond

Arcia is currently under contract with the Braves through the end of the 2021 season, after which he will become a free agent.

While the Braves have not made any official statements about their plans for Arcia beyond this season, it is possible that they could try to re-sign him to a new contract if they feel that he could continue to provide value as a backup infielder and defensive specialist.

If Arcia were to stay with the Braves beyond this season, his role on the team would likely continue to be as a utility infielder and defensive replacement.

With Dansby Swanson firmly established as the team’s starting shortstop and several other infield prospects waiting in the wings, it is unlikely that Arcia would see much playing time as a starter.

However, his defensive versatility and ability to play multiple positions could make him a valuable asset off the bench.

Looking beyond his time with the Braves, it is difficult to predict what the future holds for Arcia. While his defensive skills are highly regarded, his offensive production has been inconsistent throughout his career, and he has yet to establish himself as an everyday player at the MLB level.

If he is able to improve his hitting and become a more consistent offensive threat, he could potentially earn a larger role on a future team.

However, if he is unable to make significant strides at the plate, he may continue to be seen as a valuable but limited player in the mold of a defensive-minded utility infielder.

Orlando Arcia’s Offensive and Defensive Stats Comparison (2016-2022)

FAQs

Was the trade of Orlando Arcia a good move for the Brewers?

While it is still too early to say definitively, the Brewers received two promising pitching prospects in return for Arcia, and they were able to clear a roster spot for some of their younger infielders. Additionally, with Arcia struggling at the plate in 2020, the Brewers may have felt that his offensive potential was limited and that it was time to move on.

How does Orlando Arcia compare to other utility infielders in the MLB?

While Arcia’s offensive production has been inconsistent, his defensive skills and versatility are highly regarded. He has drawn comparisons to players like Freddy Galvis, Ehire Adrianza, and Jordy Mercer, who are all known for their defensive abilities and ability to play multiple infield positions.

Could Orlando Arcia potentially be used in a trade by the Braves?

While there is no indication that the Braves are currently looking to trade Arcia, it is always a possibility, especially if they feel that they can get value in return for a player who may not be in their long-term plans. However, given Arcia’s affordable contract and solid defensive skills, he could also be seen as a valuable piece for the Braves to keep on their roster.

How has Orlando Arcia’s performance with the Braves compared to his career averages?

Overall, Arcia’s offensive numbers with the Braves have been in line with his career averages, which are somewhat underwhelming. However, his defense has continued to be a strength, and he has shown flashes of offensive potential at times, such as in his walk-off single against the Mets in May.

Conclusion

The trade of Orlando Arcia from the Brewers to the Braves in 2021 was a significant move for both teams. While Arcia had struggled at the plate for the Brewers in 2020, his defensive skills and potential as a utility infielder made him an attractive acquisition for the Braves.

Arcia’s time with the Braves was marked by solid defense, occasional contributions at the plate, and a reputation as a positive presence in the clubhouse.

While his future with the Braves beyond this season is uncertain, his versatility and defensive prowess make him a valuable asset for any team in need of a utility infielder.