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Braves Confront Trade-Deadline Dilemma After Acuña Reaffirms Loyalty

The 27-year-old’s vow to stay with the Braves highlights the team’s looming deadline dilemma.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 2: Ronald Acuña Jr. #13 of the Atlanta Braves reacts during the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Truist Park on July 2, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.
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Apr 22, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (13) at third base against the Miami Marlins in the first inning at Truist Park.

Overview

  • Since returning from his second ACL tear in May, Ronald Acuña Jr. has batted .350 with a 1.076 OPS, nine home runs and 18 RBIs over 35 games.
  • Atlanta has fallen to a 39–46 record and is all but eliminated from playoff contention for the first time since 2017.
  • General manager Alex Anthopoulos has declared the club will not trade its superstar outfielder at the July 31 deadline.
  • Analysts Carlos Peña and Joel Sherman publicly urged the Braves to pursue a Juan Soto–style blockbuster, naming the Mariners—with nine top-100 prospects—as a prime trade partner.
  • Despite mounting trade chatter, Acuña reiterated his desire to spend his entire career in Atlanta under a team-friendly deal that runs through 2028 with club options.