Orlando Arcia’s lack of offensive production is prompting the Atlanta Braves to look at infield options for next season and beyond. Arcia hit just .218 in 2024 with a .625 OPS as the primary shortstop for the Braves. For a team like the Braves that is looking to compete with the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League, they want a more prolific hitter.

The opportunity to add an infielder who can step into Arcia’s spot is slowly dwindling, but the Braves have one free agent option to help improve the team. Jorge Polanco is coming off of one of the worst seasons in his career offensively, but there is reason to believe he can bounce back. Even with hitting just .213 in 2024 with the Seattle Mariners, Polanco is a .262 career hitter with a 109 OPS+ (100 is average). Hitting is contagious, and the Mariners struggled as a team in that category last season.

Polanco joining the Braves would allow him to do a complete mental reset. He’s proven over the course of his career that he can hit at a high level. Bringing him in would allow the team to feel better about the shortstop position despite his poor production from last year. He is projected to sign a four-year, $54.7 million deal. However, his poor showing in 2024 could allow the Braves to sign him for less. If hitting coach Tim Hyers can help Polanco return to his old self, it would create a more balanced lineup to contend in the NL East.