Well…I was wrong. When asked who I thought would be the next extension candidate, I said Dylan Dodd. Never would I have imagined it be the Braves utility infielder turned starting SS because of service time manipulation (or defense, but I’m going with the first reason). Here’s the release:
It’s obvious that the Braves like Arcia as this is the 2nd time they’ve extended him and if his option is picked up, he’ll be in Atlanta for 6 total years. While the jury is out on how he’ll perform as the starting SS, this is still a great deal for the team considering his defensive flexibility. Another plus is that if he performs well as the starting SS and one of Vaughn Grissom or Braden Shewmake make a push for the SS job, Arcia’s low price tag could be attractive to other teams.
Orlando joins these teammates who’ve also been extended by the team: Ozzie Albies, Ronald Acuna Jr., Matt Olson, Austin Riley, Spencer Strider, Michael Harris II, Travis D’Arnaud, Sean Murphy, Tyler Matzek, and Charlie Morton.
In what seems like an unreal accomplishment, Alex Anthopoulos now has an entire team of 26 (or more) players under control through next season and most through 2025 as well.
I got JC’ed on this, I guess.
We gave Arcia a three-year extension, for some reason. He’s getting a $1 million pay raise this year and $2 million each of the next two years. Call it Andrus insurance, I guess. I have very little value that he’s worth that amount of money, and after the crazy runup in top-of-market shortstops this winter, AA may be trying to lock in a backup at an undermarket price just like he did when he signed Manny Piña a couple of years ago, whether Arcia plays out the full contract for us or not.
I see no reason then why we need all of Arcia, Grissom and Shewmake. Either Grissom or Shewmake (I’d vastly prefer Grissom and I truly don’t understand why the Braves don’t believe in this kid) need to be traded whilst they still have value.
It’s not a lot of money but if I’m being honest, I’d guess there are league minimum guys that could provide similar value to Arcia.
It’s a head scratcher.
Ozuna is playing the field today for some reason. TDA is the DH and Rosario is out of the lineup facing a LHP.
1 less roster spot.
Dick Lovelady. Really? Is this an early April Fool’s thing? If this is real, he’s got some cool parents.
He can join Dick Trickle in the funny sports names Hall of Fame.
This site is really cool, and so thanks to everyone who has contributed in some shape or form
See you all at the Bar later today. Go Braves
Do I really need 45 minutes to edit? This has confused me
This deal is fine in a vacuum… even if Arcia gets demoted back to backup infielder, he’s fine in that role and this is very little money.
The sketchy part is what this says about the organization’s confidence in its ability to acquire a non-Arcia SS option.
I simply do not understand the regard this organization has for Orlando Arcia.
Nothing against the guy personally, but he’s a replacement level player who’s now been handed the keys to the shortstop position. Doesn’t really make a whole lot of sense.