Braves Face $250M+ Dilemma: Why Atlanta Must Extend Ronald Acuña Jr. Before He Hits Free Agency.vc
With the 2023 MVP’s final guaranteed year in 2026 approaching, Alex Anthopoulos is on the clock to sign the “Brave for life” superstar before his price tag explodes.
ATLANTA — Ronald Acuña Jr. has been the Atlanta Braves’ franchise player since he stepped onto the diamond in 2018. General Manager Alex Anthopoulos knew how special Acuña was at just 21 years old, which is why the team “felt lucky” to lock him into a long-term, team-friendly deal in 2019.
Since then, Acuña has been selected to five All-Star teams, won three Silver Sluggers, and took home the 2023 NL MVP award.
However, that original contract is rapidly approaching its end. Acuña will enter the 2026 season on the final guaranteed year of his deal. While the Braves hold $17 million club options for 2027 and 2028—which are considered a “mortal lock” to be exercised—the window to secure him for his entire career is closing.
If Anthopoulos wants to make Acuña Jr. a “Brave for life,” this next calendar year may be the most critical time to negotiate a new contract extension.
The $250 Million Ticking Clock
The urgency is clear: Acuña’s value on the open market would be astronomical. A recent article from Bleacher Report listed 10 players who could be in line for a contract of at least $250 million, with Acuña’s name featured as an honorable mention.
As the article points out, if Acuña hits free agency at 31 years old after the 2028 season, it is “not outlandish” to see him landing an eight-year, $250 million contract. Players of his caliber don’t hit the market often, and when they do, they land average annual values (AAV) north of $40 million, just as Juan Soto did last winter.
That is precisely why Anthopoulos needs to “get out in front” of an Acuña extension while the team still has leverage.
The “Brave for Life” Caveat: A Future at DH?
The great thing for the Braves organization is Acuña’s public openness about wanting to be a “Brave for life.” He truly loves the city of Atlanta and is driven to be one of the best players in baseball.
However, the biggest caveat in any nine-figure negotiation will be his health.
Ronald is a generational hitter and will likely continue to be for the remainder of his career. But after two major knee surgeries, his defense and mobility in the outfield have predictably taken a step back. Because of this, Acuña could very well transition to a full-time designated hitter (DH) role as he plays into his 30s.
Honestly, that is a move that is “more than fine with most Braves fans,” as that effort would certainly help keep Acuña Jr. and his elite bat healthier and in the lineup for the long run.
If Anthopoulos is going to make Acuña Jr. a “Brave for life” and accompany that long-term deal with the necessary finances, there has to be an in-house commitment to a plan that keeps him healthy—and that plan likely points straight to the DH spot.
