The Atlanta Braves struggled more than anybody could have imagined in 2024. Atlanta needs to upgrade a few spots around the field, but one of the most notable holes in the Braves' lineup is at shortstop.
Last season, 30-year-old Orlando Arcia slashed .218/.271/.354 with 17 home runs and 46 RBIs as the Braves everyday shortstop. He was worth just over 0.0 WAR while providing the Braves with a below average bat.
While looking for upgrades, Atlanta doesn't have the realistic opportunity to acquire a young shortstop to replace him. But the Braves could look to sign a cheap veteran in free agency to replace Arcia.
Enter New York Mets shortstop Jose Iglesias.
Iglesias slashed .337/.381/.448 with 16 doubles in 85 games last season. In about half a season, Iglesias was worth 3.1 WAR for the Mets.
Given the fact that he's going to be 35 years old by opening day in 2025, the Braves would be able to sign Iglesias for a fairly low price to replace Arcia. I would expect the veteran shortstop to sign for one or two years with an average annual value of between $5 million and $10 million.
Atlanta could sit and hope for Arcia to be better in 2025 or it could look to steal a key piece of the Mets' 2024 postseason run. The correct answer is sitting right in from of the Braves, but only time will tell if they make this dream into a reality.
Prediction: Jose Iglesias signs with Atlanta Braves for two years, $15 million.
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