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There apparently is at least one player who wants to join maybe the worst team ever. Recently released Braves shortstop Orlando Arcia opted to join the 9-46 Rockies on a major-league deal
rather than sign minor-league deals with the Yankees and Mets, The Post’s Jon Heyman reported. There are obviously a few factors into why Arcia would head to the Mile High City rather than
hope to work his way onto the Yankees’ or Mets’ benches. There is seemingly a clearer path toward consistent playing time with the Rockies than the Yankees or Mets, with Colorado second
baseman Adael Amador posting just a .465 OPS. The Rockies have established starters at third base and shortstop in Ryan McMahon and Ezequiel Tovar, respectively. EXPLORE MORE Even if
Colorado opts to start a younger player over Arcia in a look to the future, its depth is not on the level of the Yankees and Mets and Arcia could stick on the bench. The major-league
lifestyle is also obviously more preferred than having to travel on buses in the minors and make some of those grueling trips. After 10 years in the minors, some players are not as open to
the idea of suddenly going from major-league travel and food to what is provided in the minors. ------------------------- ------------------------- Money seemingly would not be a factor
since Arcia is owed the remainder of his $2 million deal with the Braves and whichever team signs him just offsets a portion of what the Braves have to pay him, assuming that team team signs
him to the veteran’s minimum. Arcia, 30, lost his starting job with the Braves and ultimately his roster spot after slashing .291/.226/.245 with a .445 OPS. -------------------------
------------------------- While he’s always been known as a glove-first infielder, Arcia did post a .733 and .741 OPS, respectively, from 2022-23 with Atlanta before dripping back down to
.625 last year. He began his career with the Brewers in 2016 before being traded to the Braves in 2021. The Yankees’ and Mets’ interest in him shows how the two teams are attempting to build
depth, with the former seemingly needing more middle infield help while awaiting Jazz Chisholm’s return. Neither Oswald Peraza nor Jorbit Vivas have distinguished themselves in Chisholm’s
absence, while DJ LeMahieu is off to a slow start since returning from injury. Addressing third base figures to be a priority for the Yankees and they would shoot higher than the limited
offensive upside Arcia could offer.