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.