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.
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