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Orlando Arcia Had Words for Braves Before Expected Signing With MLB's Worst Team

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Eric W. Bolin | Last updated May 27, 2025 1:29 AM ET

Orlando Arcia carries plenty to be thankful for when it comes to the Atlanta Braves. The 10-year infielder saw his career resurrected during his time with the organization.

Arcia became an All-Star for the Braves in 2023 after being traded to Atlanta from the Milwaukee Brewers in April 2021. The Braves had little use for him in the regular season as he played just 32 games.

But his speed and defense earned him a look on the team's postseason roster and a World Series ring as Atlanta beat the Houston Astros in six games. Arcia impressed enough to serve as the primary reserve to Ozzie Albies at second base and Dansby Swanson at shortstop in 2022.

In 2023, with Swanson off to the Cubs, Arcia took over as the Braves' everyday shorstop, playing well enough to earn his first All-Star nod.

But two years later, Arcia lost his playing time to journeyman Nick Allen. The Venezuela native put up just a .445 OPS over 31 at-bats this year. Subsequently, he found himself jobless after Atlanta released him over the weekend.

Arcia, apparently, won't be without a job long. The Colorado Rockies are nearing a deal to sign him, according to multiple reports.

The shortstop thanked the city of Atlanta and its fans with a message on Instagram on Monday.

"Wearing this jersey and representing this city has been one of the greatest honors of my career," Arcia wrote. "While it's time for a new chapter, Atlanta will always have a special place in my heart. Thank you for everything."

Arcia will likely serve the way he did his first couple years with the Braves, as the primary back-up middle infielder. Ezequiel Tovar has an OPS of .798 at shortstop, but second base has been a problem for the Rockies. Rookie Adael Amador has spent most of the last month as the team's primary there, but carries a minus-1.1 WAR in 32 games.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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