Breaking News: Ronald Acuna Jr. reveals his massive request for Braves
In recent years, the Atlanta Braves have been notably conservative in handing out large contracts to their star players. However, there’s speculation about whether they’ll make an exception for outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr.
Expressing his desire to remain with the Braves long-term, Acuna stated, “It’s not a secret that I want to be a Brave for life.” He emphasized his hope to secure a lasting deal with the team in the near future.
Acuna’s exceptional performance in the previous season further solidified his status as a top player in baseball. At just 26 years old, he achieved a historic feat by becoming the first player to record at least 40 home runs and 70 stolen bases in a single season, ultimately earning the National League MVP title. Additionally, he topped the majors in various statistical categories, including on-base percentage (.416), hits (217), and runs scored (149).
The Atlanta Braves aren’t under immediate pressure to extend Ronald Acuna Jr.’s contract, as he is currently locked into an eight-year, $100 million deal signed in 2019, with team options for 2027 and 2028.
However, the Braves must consider their payroll situation. With Spotrac projecting their 2024 payroll at $221.31 million and the luxury tax threshold set at $237 million, exceeding this threshold could result in significant financial penalties.
While Acuna Jr. is currently earning a base salary of $17 million over the next three seasons, it’s reasonable to expect him to seek a raise given his performance and market value. Spotrac estimates his market value to be around $38.4 million annually, making him one of the highest-paid outfielders in the league.
Although the Braves have allowed notable players like Freddie Freeman and Dansby Swanson to depart when their contracts expired, Acuna Jr.’s exceptional talent suggests they would be wise to prioritize retaining him.
Braves manager Brian Snitker echoed this sentiment, expressing the hope that Acuna Jr. remains with the organization long-term, acknowledging his rare talent and the desire to see him retire as a Brave.
It’s likely that both parties will come to an agreement on an extension before the option years in Acuna Jr.’s contract. In the meantime, Acuna Jr. will aim to defend his NL MVP title, with FanDuel currently giving him the best odds (+500) of winning the award for the upcoming season.