MLB Rumors: Recent All-Star Turned Down Yankees & Mets For Rockies

May 29, 2025 , , ,
Colorado Rockies infielder Orlando Arcia in the dugout during 2025 game.

Both the New York Yankees and New York Mets made a run at signing former All-Star shortstop Orlando Arcia, but he turned down their minor league offers in favor of a guaranteed major league role with the Colorado Rockies. 

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the New York teams extended minor league contracts to Arcia, while the struggling Rockies gave him a spot on their 26-man roster—an opportunity he wasn’t going to pass up.

Yankees, Mets Miss Out on Orlando Arcia as Rockies Land Former All-Star

The 30-year-old was designated for assignment by the Atlanta Braves earlier this month after a dismal start to the season, slashing just .194/.219/.226 with no home runs across 14 games. Still, Arcia has postseason pedigree and was an All-Star as recently as 2023. 

That kind of experience made him an appealing depth option for both playoff-hopeful New York squads. The Yankees, in particular, may have viewed Arcia as insurance behind a crowded but injury-prone infield that includes Oswald Peraza, Jorbit Vivas, and Pablo Reyes—especially with Jazz Chisholm Jr. sidelined. The Mets, meanwhile, likely saw Arcia as a flexible piece who could help down the stretch.

Instead, Arcia joins a Colorado team that’s off to a historically bad start, sitting at 9-46. For Arcia, it’s a fresh start and a clear path to playing time—especially with trade buzz swirling around incumbent shortstop Ezequiel Tovar. 

If Tovar is moved, Arcia could slot into everyday duty, giving him a chance to rebuild value before the trade deadline. Whether the Yankees or Mets circle back in July will depend on how much Arcia has left in the tank and how desperate contenders get for veteran infield help.

Photo Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

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