The Atlanta Braves were decimated by injuries last season. When healthy they are one of the best teams in the National League. However, they have a glaring need at shortstop.
Orlando Arcia was an All-Star in 2023 but failed to meet expectations in 2024. This spring he is slashing .077/.167/.244. If the Braves want to win the National League they will need to find an upgrade at shortstop. Newsweek’s Drew VonScio urged the Braves to trade for Tommy Edman of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Edman won a utility Gold Glove in 2021 at second base. The Dodgers may see the benefits of extending him on a five-year, $74 million deal early with Mookie Betts set to miss the Tokyo Series. However, when the Dodgers are completely healthy, Edman figures to see more time in the outfield. When the trade deadline rolls around the Dodgers may be willing to part ways with Edman, even though they just extended him.
Edman would be a clear upgrade over Arcia. He has 163 career appearances at shortstop and had a .862 OPS in the postseason last year. The Braves may be in the market for a shortstop early if Arcia carries his spring struggles into the regular season.
“This season, Edman will make $8.4 million before it jumps to between $11-13 million from 2026 to 2030 before he becomes a free agent in 2031,” wrote VonScio. “The length of the contract is the only downside to a potential deal with the Dodgers for Edman. One thing for certain is the Braves can’t wait until the trade deadline to find an upgrade for Arcia. It could very well be too late by the end of July in a tough National League East division.”
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