The Atlanta Braves have officially parted ways with former All-Star Orlando Arcia, releasing the veteran infielder on May 25, 2025, following a steady decline in performance over the past two seasons.
Arcia, who was once a key contributor during Atlanta’s 2021 World Series run, and an NL All-Star in 2023, has struggled to replicate that success. In 2023, he posted a strong .264 batting average with 129 hits, 65 RBIs, and 17 home runs, earning him All-Star honors and solidifying his role as a reliable presence in the infield.
However, since that breakout season, Arcia’s production has sharply declined. He batted just .218 in 2024 and was hitting a mere .194 in 2025, with only six hits, one RBI, and one run in 31 at-bats before his release.
The decision marks the end of an important chapter for both Arcia and the Braves. Once a dependable everyday player, his recent struggles made it difficult for the team to keep him on a roster looking to stay competitive in the National League. As the Braves retool and look for more consistent production up the middle, Arcia becomes a free agent, potentially drawing interest from teams seeking veteran depth.
Orlando Arcia Signed With the Rockies Days After His Release by the Braves
The good news for Orlando Arcia is that his next opportunity came quickly. Just days after being released by the Atlanta Braves, Arcia signed an MLB deal with the Colorado Rockies, turning down minor league offers from both the New York Yankees and New York Mets, according to New York Post insider Jon Heyman.
“Orlando Arcia and the Rockies are now in agreement on an MLB deal,” Heyman reported on X (formerly Twitter). “Yankees and Mets both offered Arcia minor league opportunities before he got the MLB deal with Rockies.”
Following his release, Arcia took to Instagram on May 27 to share a heartfelt message thanking the Braves organization, his teammates, and fans for their support during his time in Atlanta.
“Wearing this jersey and representing this city has been one of the greatest honors of my career,” Arcia wrote.
“From day one, you welcomed me with open arms and supported me through every high and low… To my teammates — thank you for the memories, the battles, and the bond we shared in the clubhouse. Those are moments I’ll never forget.”
“While it’s time for a new chapter, Atlanta will always have a special place in my heart. Thank you for everything.”
Now with the Rockies, Arcia will get a chance to reset his career at the major league level and potentially carve out a key role on a rebuilding Colorado squad. For the 29-year-old veteran, it’s a fresh start with a club that clearly believes he still has something left to offer.
Braves Manager Brian Snitker Backed Orlando Arcia Months Before His Release
Orlando Arcia’s struggles were just one part of a broader problem for the Atlanta Braves in 2025. A team that entered the season with championship aspirations has stumbled out of the gate, sitting at 25-28 through their first 53 games and already trailing significantly in the NL East standings.
Manager Brian Snitker voiced his trust in Arcia back in March, brushing off spring training concerns in a conversation with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Justin Toscano:
“I don’t look at spring training (stats)… We’ll just start judging a week from (today),” Snitker said.
“He’s been our starting shortstop and we’ve won 193 games, I think, the last two years, so that’s pretty good.”
Despite the manager’s confidence, Arcia never managed to rebound, ultimately leading to his release. The hope now is that a change of scenery in Colorado will allow him to reset and rediscover the form that once made him an All-Star.
As for the Braves, the issues extend well beyond shortstop. The team has struggled to generate consistent offense, and injuries and underperformance have hampered their rotation and bullpen. With the July 31 trade deadline approaching, Atlanta may need to take an aggressive approach if they hope to climb back into contention. Whether that means adding arms, a bat, or both, the coming weeks could define the rest of their season.
Leave a Reply