A BROTHERHOOD CALL: Robert Suárez Reveals Ronald Acuña Jr. Was Decisive Factor in Braves Choice.vc
STAR RELIEVER SAYS ONE MOMENT OUTWEIGHED EVERY OTHER OFFER
ATLANTA, GA—The room shifted the moment star reliever Robert Suárez finally said it out loud. For the first time since signing his three-year, $45 million contract with the Atlanta Braves, the veteran closer opened up about the emotional factor that pulled him toward Atlanta, and his words caught plenty of people off guard.
In a move that transcends spreadsheets and average annual value, Suárez revealed there was one specific, personal factor that outweighed every other offer: a voicemail from Ronald Acuña Jr. that made his decision feel clear instead of complicated.
“I keep hearing so many good things about the team,” Suárez said through an interpreter. “But the moment [Acuña] sent me a message welcoming me and saying he couldn’t wait to play together, that was the thing. It’s an honor to play alongside him. He is a national idol [in Venezuela], and his presence was a decisive factor.”
THE VENEZUELAN CONNECTION
The Venezuelan brotherhood in Atlanta proved to be the ultimate recruiting tool. Suárez, who is known for his intense focus and late-inning dominance, cited the reputation of the Braves’ clubhouse, their continuous pursuit of championships, and the way they treat their players as major draws. However, the direct contact from his fellow countryman, Acuña Jr.—the reigning NL MVP and superstar—added an entirely new layer of intention to the move.
The decision wasn’t rushed. It wasn’t accidental. Suárez chose the Braves not just for the money or the years, but for the profound personal desire to share a World Series quest with the face of Venezuelan baseball.
WHY IT MATTERS MORE THAN EXPECTED
For Braves fans, this insight hits differently. It demonstrates exactly how much intentionality went into securing one of the league’s top relievers, especially following a disappointing 2025 season where bullpen inconsistencies were exposed.
- Clubhouse Culture: Suárez’s comments about the “good things” he continued to hear underscore the strength of the Braves’ clubhouse culture, which has managed to withstand several high-profile departures over the past few seasons.
- Shared Purpose: By prioritizing a connection with Acuña and the winning history of the organization over a higher salary elsewhere, Suárez signals a dedication to team goals that could matter far more than expected once the season begins.
Suárez, who led the NL in saves (40) last season with the Padres, will team up with incumbent closer Raisel Iglesias to form one of the most potent one-two punches at the back end of the bullpen, a clear signal that the Braves are determined to shorten games and return to the postseason.
