After Dansby Swanson departed the Atlanta Braves in free agency, Orlando Arcia stepped in as manager Brian Snitker’s regular shortstop. Arcia earned his first All-Star selection in 2023, posting a .264 batting average along with 17 home runs and 65 RBIs. He proved to be an ideal fit at the bottom of Atlanta’s potent batting order.
By 2025, however, a steep and sudden drop in Arcia’s performance, combined with the surprising emergence of Nick Allen, led the Braves to release Arcia. He was recently signed by the Colorado Rockies, who are searching for help wherever they can find it.
Nick Allen is expected to hold onto the starting shortstop role for Atlanta, but the team is considering internal options to bolster depth at the position. Utility players Eli White and Luke Williams both have infield experience and could step in if Allen is injured or needs rest. Still, the Braves might have a better alternative in former All-Star Tim Anderson, who was recently designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Angels.
Tim Anderson is an ideal fit for Atlanta Braves
Following Dansby Swanson’s departure in free agency, Orlando Arcia quickly assumed the role of everyday shortstop for Braves manager Brian Snitker. Arcia earned his first All-Star nod in 2023, batting .264 with 17 homers and 65 RBIs, thriving as a reliable presence at the bottom of Atlanta’s stacked lineup.
However, by 2025, Arcia’s sharp decline in form—coupled with the surprising rise of Nick Allen—led the Braves to part ways with him. He was recently picked up by the Colorado Rockies, a team desperate for solutions wherever they can find them.
Allen appears to have secured the starting shortstop role, but the Braves are evaluating internal options to strengthen their depth. Both Eli White and Luke Williams offer some infield versatility and could provide coverage if Allen is sidelined. Still, Atlanta’s most intriguing option might be former All-Star Tim Anderson, who was just designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Angels.
Tim Anderson likely wouldn’t be a game-changer for the Braves if he signed with Atlanta, but his presence would add valuable depth and experience to the shortstop position—an upgrade that could still help the team overall.
Despite batting below .250 over the past three seasons and experiencing a significant drop in power, Anderson remains a two-time All-Star and a dependable defender, making him a viable option for a major league roster.
For Atlanta, signing Anderson would represent a classic “low-risk, high-reward” move. Given his recent struggles, the Braves could likely bring him in on an inexpensive one-year deal and treat it as a trial run.
Anderson could be a strong fit in Atlanta, but convincing him of that might be the real challenge. After being a regular starter for most of his 10-year career, transitioning into a bench role could be tough for the veteran. It’s possible Anderson might turn down offers from contending teams if it means sacrificing playing time, preferring instead to join a team where he can stay in the lineup more consistently. However, if he were to embrace a supporting role with the Braves, he could be exactly the piece they need to fill the void left by Arcia.
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