The Atlanta Braves recently released Orlando Arcia. He joined the Colorado Rockies, but the Braves may need to find a replacement for him on their bench.
Arcia had lost his everyday shortstop job to Nick Allen, and it was time for the Braves to move on from him. Arcia was an All-Star in 2023 but rapidly declined. With him no longer on the team, the Braves could be interested in adding some depth behind Allen. FanSided’s Austin Owens suggested they sign Tim Anderson, who the Los Angeles Angels recently released.
“While Nick Allen is likely to remain the Braves starting shortstop, the organization is exploring options in-house to add depth to that position,” wrote Owens. “Both Eli White and Luke Williams have some infield experience and could fill that spot should Allen need a day off or face injury. But Atlanta’s best option may be a former All-Star, Tim Anderson, who was just designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Angels.”
Anderson was once one of the best players in baseball. He won the batting title in 2019 and was an All-Star in 2021 and 2022. He won a Silver Slugger in 2020. However, since 2023, he has just a .232 batting average and just one home run.
“By no means would Tim Anderson turn the Braves’ season around if he were to sign with Atlanta. However, adding depth and experience at the shortstop position would make the club better,” wrote Owens.
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Anderson would not be a starter on the Braves, but he has the chance to find his swing again in a depth role. He could be a better option than White or Williams on days when Allen is not in the lineup.
“Signing Anderson would be the textbook ‘low-risk, high-reward’ move for the Braves,” wrote Owens. “Obviously with Anderson struggling so much over his last few seasons, Atlanta would be able to sign him to a one-year, cheap contract and view it as an experiment.”
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