The Braves’ season ended in the NLDS against the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the fallout now stretches beyond the lineup card and into Ronald Acuna Jr.’s future. Atlanta’s offense didn’t do enough to get through the series, and Acuna’s postseason struggles were part of the problem.
That puts the Braves in a spot they probably hoped to avoid heading into the offseason. They’re expected to look for help at shortstop, in the rotation and in the bullpen, but the biggest questions may be about one of their biggest names.
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic laid out the issue plainly, writing: "Will the 28-year-old ever stay healthy? Will the Braves try to sign him to an extension?
If not, will they consider trading him? Then there is the biggest one: Are his days as a star over?"
Atlanta does have club options of $17 million in 2027 and 2028, and the expectation is that both would be picked up. But that doesn’t settle the larger question of what comes next with Acuna in Atlanta.
If the Braves believe in him, a multi-year extension could be on the table. If they don’t, then the conversation shifts to something far bigger: a possible trade.
That kind of move would not come without interest. Even with Acuna’s postseason issues, injury questions and uncertainty about the long term, teams would line up for a chance to land him. Outfield-needy clubs would be especially aggressive, and the Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets and Washington Nationals were all mentioned as possible suitors.
There’s also the fit factor if Atlanta decides to chase help at shortstop. Trea Turner, Francisco Lindor or CJ Abrams could be names that come up in that kind of discussion. The idea of a major deal between rivals is unusual, but the source pointed to the NBA’s rare trade between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers as an example of how bold moves can happen.
Still, a swap like that would require a lot to break right. For now, the key issue is simpler: the Braves have to decide what they believe about Acuna.
Do they trust him to stay healthy? If the answer is yes, then an extension makes sense as the next conversation. If the answer is no, or even just uncertain, then Atlanta may have to seriously consider whether this offseason is the right time to move on from its superstar outfielder.
In Other News...
Matt Ryans Falcons Role Is Already Turning Heads Around The NFL
Matt Ryans return to the Falcons has already become more than a ceremonial homecoming. Atlanta brought him in as president of football, a role built around oversight rather than day-to-day control, but he has been present in the places that matter most, around practices and in meetings as the team puts its football operation together.
What has stood out around the league is how seriously Ryan has taken the job after leaving his CBS broadcasting role to commit fully to the Falcons. NBC Sports Chris Simms pointed to that level of involvement as something different from the way some former players handle executive titles, and it is the kind of detail that is already shaping outside perceptions of Atlantas front office. [Read more 🡒]
Falcons Get A Very Different Test Sunday Than Anyone Expected
Sundays matchup against Baltimore is already taking on a different shape than the one the Falcons likely spent the week preparing for. The Ravens are moving forward with a change at quarterback, and head coach Jesse Minter said he feels good about Tyler Huntley stepping in if needed, which shifts the spotlight for Atlanta from a familiar star to a backup with a much different profile.
Baltimore is also dealing with a notable absence on the edge, with Trey Hendrickson expected to sit because of a finger injury. For the Falcons, that means the challenge becomes less about surviving the version of the Ravens everyone knows and more about adjusting on the fly to a game plan that may look considerably different by kickoff. [Read more 🡒]
Falcons May Need Kendal Daniels More Than Ever Against Baltimore
The Falcons have spent the early part of this season sorting out how best to use their second linebacker spot, leaning on rookies Kendal Daniels and Harold Perkins Jr. in different situations depending on the matchup. Daniels has drawn the nod when the priority is stopping the run, while Perkins has been asked to handle more of the coverage work, giving Atlanta a flexible but still evolving answer behind its front.
With Baltimore looming, that rotation feels more important than ever. Coach Jeff Ulbrich has been asking Daniels to absorb multiple defensive responsibilities as the Falcons try to match up with physical run games and backs like Derrick Henry, and Daniels has also seen work on the defensive line as part of that broader plan. For Atlanta, the question is less about whether the rookies can help and more about how much of the burden each one will carry when the opponent forces the issue on the ground. [Read more 🡒]