Of all the holes the Braves needed to fill this offseason, the outfield was by far the most glaring. Alex Anthopoulos addressed that by signing All-Star switch-hitter Jurickson Profar to a three-year contract on Thursday.

Behind the outfield, the pitching staff is still a concern. The rotation could use another proven option, but the bullpen really needs some TLC. The Braves are down two of their top arms from 2024 and have yet to make a single worthwhile addition. A.J. Minter signed with the Mets this week, and Joe Jimenez is expected to miss most of the 2025 campaign after undergoing knee surgery.

The final hole that could be addressed is shortstop. Orlando Arcia, while above average defensively, is the one black hole in an otherwise prolific lineup when healthy. The Braves must find a long-term answer at the position, but that’s a need that seems to be on hold for now, according to general manager Alex Anthopoulos.

#Braves’ Anthopoulos: “We went into last season thinking Orlando (Arcia) would hit 8, 9. You’re now in that spot where, with everyone healthy, you’re looking at him in the 9-hole and 1 through 8 is a lot of really established guys that have a chance to be very, very strong.”

— David O’Brien (@DOBrienATL) January 24, 2025

Eventually, the Braves need to get serious about aggressively attempting to replace Orlando Arcia. He’s not a starting-caliber everyday player, and he’s not getting any younger.

The issue with that is shortstops are not cheap. It’s the most important position on the diamond, and the good ones are going to cost $150+ million in free agency. That’s not a place the Braves have gone in the past with any free agent, but they may have to consider it in the future if Orlando Arcia can’t improve in 2025.

Of course, the Braves do have an internal option in Nacho Alvarez, who made his MLB debut in 2024. However, he struggled mightily at the plate, and there are concerns about his ability to play shortstop long-term. Outside of Alvarez, no shortstop prospect is even close to knocking on the door of the majors. So, while the Braves will put the position on the back-burner for now, it could be the top priority for the club next offseason.

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Photo: Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire