The Atlanta Braves surprised fans 10 days ago when they decided to option Braden Shewmake and Vaughn Grissom to Triple-A Gwinnett, the two guys that seemed to be the front-runners to win the role as the everyday shortstop for the team.
Instead of the Braves going with one of the young guys, they decided to go with a guy who is a little bit more of a known commodity in Orlando Arcia the everyday starting shortstop to begin the season.
Now on Opening Day, reports have come out that the Braves and Arcia have agreed to terms on a three-year contract extension. The Morning Shift reacted to the news live with our very own Braves Insider, Grant McAuley.
Reports are that Arcia’s extension is a three-year, $7.3 million extension that includes a team option in 2026. McAuley was live in studio when the news broke.
“I think this is just something that the Braves have done so well, it’s roster construction, it’s depth, and even though we talked all winter long about what’s going to be the answer at shortstop long-term and so much about Vaughn Grissom,” said McAuley.
Grant continued: “Orlando Arcia still just 28 years old, a very useful player and somebody who’s going to get his shot on Opening Day and at least for a while to show what he can do. And the Braves, Alex Anthopoulos, have said they liked the hitter they’ve gotten out of Orlando Arcia, the hitting side of it, something he didn’t really show in his time with Milwaukee. So I just think even if he’s starting, or if he’s just helping out up the middle, can play all over the infield, this is the kind of player that you build quality depth with and Orlando Arcia is going to get rewarded for it.”
Even though Arcia got this extension, it doesn’t mean that he’s going to be the everyday starter for the next decade. Grissom and/or Shewmake still seem to be the long-term answer. But just as Grant said, this move by the Braves ensures that you have quality depth for years to come.