Orlando Arcia’s MLB journey appears to be continuing—this time in the Mile High City. Just days after being released by the Atlanta Braves, Arcia is reportedly closing in on a deal with the Colorado Rockies, according to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand.
Whether it’s a Major or Minor League agreement remains unclear, but it marks a quick turnaround for the 30-year-old veteran shortstop.
A Predictable Braves Departure
Arcia’s release was less of a shock and more of a formality. He hadn’t started a game since April 22, and his role had been reduced to sporadic, late-game appearances—four of them coming in the ninth inning or later. His final act in a Braves uniform? A pinch-running appearance.
Across 14 games, Arcia hit just .194 with a .445 OPS, tallying zero home runs, and one RBI. Perhaps his most memorable moment was a bat flip on a walk during an April game against the Phillies. That walk, sadly, may have been his most electric offensive moment of 2025.
With Nick Allen taking over shortstop duties and Luke Williams and Eli White offering depth, the Braves had little use for Arcia. His DFA last week was followed by the acquisition of infielder Jonathan Ornelas from Texas. Ornelas was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett to provide organizational depth.
Rockies: From Bad to Worse?
Now Arcia may be joining the Colorado Rockies, a team in full-blown freefall. After a 3-1 loss to the Cubs on Monday, they fell to 9-45, good for a .166 winning percentage. They are on pace to surpass the 2023 White Sox and the infamous 1962 Mets (40–120) for the worst record in MLB history.
It’s a tough landing spot, no question. But it may also be the only clear path back to Major League at-bats for Arcia. Despite the Rockies’ historic futility, the shortstop position has been a rare bright spot, with Ezequiel Tovar batting .447 since returning from injury. That means Arcia is unlikely to see everyday action at short. But, his versatility and veteran experience may still carry value in a utility role or as a clubhouse presence.
A Career in Flux
Arcia’s story is an unusual one. A former All-Star just last season, he won praise early in 2023 for stepping into Dansby Swanson’s vacated role. But a steep offensive decline and defensive regression made him expendable in Atlanta, especially amid their sluggish start and looming roster decisions.
At just 30, he’s still young enough to contribute. But the window is narrowing, and the Rockies might represent his last chance to reset the narrative.
The Rockies may be trending toward historic infamy, but for Arcia, the franchise offers a fresh start—and maybe one final shot to stay in the big leagues. Whether he seizes that opportunity remains to be seen, but the stakes have rarely been clearer.
