ATLANTA, GA – AUGUST 08: Orlando Arcia #11 of Atlanta Braves walks back to the dugout during the third inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Truist Park on August 8, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin D. Liles/Atlanta Braves/Getty Images)
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The Atlanta Braves have entered September with an opportunity to strengthen their roster for the final stretch of the season, adding experienced depth while also giving some of their younger players a chance to contribute.
As rosters expand, Atlanta is looking beyond its established core for players who can provide versatility and help navigate the demands of the final weeks. For this season’s team, that meant adding some depth for the infield, an area of the roster that has been remarkably hard to fill with a lasting solution.
“The Atlanta Braves are expected to add veteran infielder Kyle Farmer and pitching prospect Blake Burkhalter when rosters expand Tuesday,” Aaron Schmidt reported for Atlanta News First. “Farmer, 36, made the Braves’ Opening Day roster after spring training and recorded four hits in 15 at-bats while essentially being a clubhouse personality.”
While virtually every contending team needs some extra pitching depth at this point in the season, the addition of Farmer, who has made most of his career starts at shortstop, is a reminder of how much trouble the Braves have had in filling that position in recent years.
And the move provided a notable backdrop for Braves fans as news surfaced that the team’s former All-Star infielder is looking to make his comeback in the National League.
Orlando Arcia, who spent five seasons with Atlanta and earned his lone All-Star selection in 2023, is returning to affiliated baseball after being released by the Minnesota Twins earlier this summer. On Tuesday, he signed a minor‑league deal with the Cincinnati Reds, according to the official transaction tracker.
The move also brings Arcia back to a National League organization for the first time since he left the Braves for the Colorado Rockies.
“Arcia is back in affiliated ball after a three‑game stint in the Mexican League,” Anthony Franco noted for MLB Trade Rumors. “The former All-Star shortstop was in the majors as recently as June, appearing in 19 games and tallying 50 plate appearances for the Twins… The 32‑year‑old Arcia is now three seasons removed from a two‑year run as a league‑average starting shortstop in Atlanta.”
Arcia hit .271 with a .300 on‑base percentage and one home run during his brief major‑league stint with Minnesota this season. He struggled during a 2025 season split between Atlanta and Colorado, posting a .202/.238/.291 slash line with three home runs in 214 plate appearances.
The Reds’ decision gives Arcia another chance to capitalize on his experience and defensive versatility. He remains capable of playing across the infield, while his contact‑oriented approach could make him useful as organizational depth for a team that appears capable of contending for the playoffs in the near future.
His offensive trajectory has changed considerably from his peak with Atlanta. Arcia hit 17 home runs in both 2023 and 2024, but his power has declined since then, and his limited walk rate has placed greater importance on his ability to make consistent contact.
For Cincinnati, the timing also makes sense. With Elly De La Cruz dealing with a minor quad issue and Matt McLain moving to shortstop, Arcia can provide experienced insurance during the final weeks.
