Having signed with the Atlanta Braves as an international free agent in 2014, Ronald Acuna Jr. made his big league debut in 2018. Ever since, the outfielder has gone on to establish himself as one of the best players in his position, with five All-Star selections, an NL MVP award and three Silver Slugger awards to his name, among other notable honors.
The Venezuelan signed an eight-year, $100 million contract with Atlanta in 2019. The deal also includes club options for two extra seasons, meaning Acuna is effectively under club control through 2028.
Despite being one of his team's most influential players, insider Bill Shanks surprisingly called for Atlanta to explore opportunities to trade Acuna. He explained his thoughts via a video clip he posted to X on Friday.
"I do believe the Braves should at least investigate the possibility of trading Ronald Acuna Jr., and there's a couple of reasons why," Shanks said (Timestamp: 1:10). "Number one, I don't think, in any world we live in, the Atlanta Braves are going to re-sign Ronald Acuna Jr. to a long-term contract, when his contract is up in a couple of years. They've allowed already Freddie Freeman, Dansby Swanson and Max Fried to walk out the door.
"To be honest with you, I don't know if he can stay healthy to warrant a contract that may take up a fifth or a sixth of the Braves' payroll. Every year we're dealing with something, he's had two very big knee operations, that's a problem. If I'm Alex Anthopoulos, I'm do atleast investigate the possiblity of trading Ronald Acuna Jr. Especially (with) the farm system not in great shape. Do you really want Acuna to walk out the door in three years like Freddie, Dansby and Max did?"
The 2025 season was a good one for Ronald Acuna Jr. on an individual level. Making his much-anticipated comeback after spending almost a full year on the sidelines due to a knee injury he picked up early in 2024, Acuna hit the ground running. He ended the year with a .290 batting average, 21 home runs and 42 RBIs, earning his fifth All-Star selection.
Despite Acuna's best efforts, however, the Braves endured an extremely disappointing season. Finishing fourth in the NL East with a 76-86 record, Atlanta missed out on the postseason for the first time since 2017.
Fans will be hoping 2023's NL MVP can help get his team back into the playoffs in 2026.