Ronald Acuña Jr. trade rumors take twist with contract details

Ronald Acuña Jr. has been mentioned in MLB trade rumors this offseason, but a blockbuster move involving the Atlanta Braves superstar now appears highly unlikely.

A Ronald Acuña Jr. trade this offseason is seen as highly unlikely, as I said on @MLBNetwork a few moments ago.

Acuña is entering the final guaranteed year of his contract with the Braves, who hold a club option for 2028.

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 9, 2026

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Despite speculation surrounding his future, a recent report indicates that Atlanta is not expected to trade the former National League MVP. His contract situation also gives the Braves significant control over his future, making a potential deal even more complicated.

MORE:Predicting MLB free agent landing spots in 2026-27 offseason

Ronald Acuña Jr. trade considered highly unlikely

MLB insider Jon Morosi reported on MLB Network that an Acuña trade this offseason is viewed as highly unlikely, despite the speculation surrounding the Braves outfielder.

Acuña remains one of Atlanta’s most recognizable players, and his ability to impact games offensively makes him an important part of the organization’s plans.

The 28-year-old appeared in 107 games during the 2026 season, hitting .255 with 20 home runs, 55 RBI and 21 stolen bases. He also finished with a .796 OPS while dealing with two separate hamstring injuries that limited his availability.

Although those numbers were below the extraordinary production from his 2023 MVP season, Acuña demonstrated that he can still be a difference-maker when healthy.

During his historic 2023 campaign, Acuña became the first player in MLB history to record at least 40 home runs and 70 stolen bases in a single season.

Moving a player with that kind of offensive upside would represent a significant decision for Atlanta, especially considering the team still has contractual control over him.

Braves have favorable contract situation with Acuña

One of the biggest reasons an Acuña trade appears unlikely is his team-friendly contract.

The Braves exercised his $17 million club option for the 2027 season in late October. That decision secured his services for another year after the guaranteed portion of his eight-year, $100 million extension expired following the 2026 campaign.

Atlanta also holds another $17 million club option for 2028, meaning the organization could retain Acuña for the next two seasons at a combined $34 million.

Those figures are particularly appealing for a player who remains capable of producing at an elite level.

Acuña’s contract could also make him attractive to other organizations because acquiring teams would not necessarily need to commit to a massive long-term deal.

However, that same affordability gives Atlanta little incentive to move him unless another team presents an overwhelming trade package.

For now, the expectation is that Acuña will remain with the Braves heading into the 2027 MLB season. While trade speculation could continue throughout the offseason, the combination of his contract and Atlanta’s desire to remain competitive makes a blockbuster move appear unlikely.

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