Who would’ve guessed back in April that the Atlanta Braves would be sitting at 39-50 and looking up at the rest of the NL East? After getting absolutely swept by the red-hot Baltimore Orioles, the Braves find themselves 13.5 games out of first and very much in the what-now? Phase of the season.
The question on everyone’s mind: Should Atlanta blow it up or stay the course?
Ronald Acuña Jr. Is Not for Sale — and That’s Final
Let’s get this out of the way early: Ronald Acuña Jr. isn’t going anywhere. Zip. Nada. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale made that point loud and clear — Atlanta has zero interest in moving their generational superstar. And why would they? Acuña is locked in at $17 million annually through 2026, with team options for 2027 and 2028. That’s a bargain-bin deal for an MVP-caliber talent.
Yes, the Braves are slumping hard, but even thinking about trading Acuña would be a front-office felony. He is the Atlanta Braves. This isn’t just about this season — it’s about the next decade. And you don’t move a guy like that because of one ugly three-month stretch.
Ozzie Albies’ Future Suddenly Unclear
Now here’s where things get spicy. Mark Bowman of MLB.com raised some eyebrows by pointing out that second baseman Ozzie Albies — once seen as one of the best value contracts in baseball — might actually be on the chopping block.
Albies is hitting just .222 with a .613 OPS this year. That ranks 151st out of 157 qualified hitters. Add in a defensive rating that’s dropped like a rock, that seven-year, $35 million deal doesn’t feel as golden as it used to.
Of course, if Albies’ offensive woes are tied to lingering issues from last year’s wrist injury, there’s hope he could bounce back. But if not? The Braves might need to ask a tough question: Is now the time to flip him while there’s still value?
Buying at the Deadline? Don’t Rule It Out
Just a few weeks ago, The Athletic’s Jim Bowden reported that the Braves might buy at the trade deadline. That’s right — instead of selling off veterans, Atlanta was reportedly eyeing more pitching help, both starters and relievers.
And honestly, that tracks. This roster wasn’t built for a rebuild. It’s built for October baseball. Maybe the front office still sees a chance for a wild-card push, or perhaps they’re looking ahead to 2026 and want to bolster the pitching depth now. Either way, don’t expect a full-blown teardown.
Bottom line? The Braves are in unfamiliar territory — not bad enough to tank, not good enough to contend — and the trade deadline could go in any direction. But if there’s one particular thing, it’s this: Ronald Acuña Jr. isn’t leaving Atlanta. Beyond that? All bets are off.
Strap in. The Braves’ next move could reshape this franchise, for better or worse.
