The Atlanta Braves aren’t playing for October, they’re playing for answers.
As the 2025 season winds down with the team well out of playoff contention, the spotlight has shifted from the standings to the storm brewing off the field. Manager Brian Snitker’s future is still hanging in the balance, and now, unbelievably, the face of the franchise — Ronald Acuña Jr. — is at the center of trade speculation.
Acuña, the 2023 NL MVP and one of the most electrifying talents in baseball, is suddenly being talked about as a potential trade piece. The whispers are growing louder, and they’re no longer just coming from the fan base.
Braves’ Slugger Struggles, All Eyes on Acuña Jr.
While Acuña’s return from knee surgery was initially praised, his recent struggles following a nagging Achilles’/calf injury have sparked concern.
“Some fans are already concerned that there is something deeply wrong with Acuña Jr.,” wrote HTHB’s Eric Cole, adding that the star outfielder’s inability to regain his MVP-level form could spill over into 2026 and beyond.
The timing couldn’t be worse.
Manager Brian Snitker, under increasing pressure himself, hasn’t hidden his frustration. Some believe he’s sending not-so-subtle messages to his superstar. That tension, reportedly simmering behind the scenes, has now boiled over into national trade chatter.
The Cubs? One Bold Trade Idea Gains Steam
One eye-catching prediction? A blockbuster deal that would send Acuña to the Chicago Cubs.
BALLCAP Sports analyst Jim Riley floated a proposal that would ship Acuña to Wrigley in exchange for top prospect Owen Caissie (ranked No. 44 in MLB), pitching talent Ben Brown, and Javier Assad, plus shortstop Pedro Ramirez. The deal could give the Braves an infusion of controllable young talent — and reunite Acuña with former teammate Dansby Swanson in Chicago.
Wild? Maybe. But it’s not just podcast fantasy.
Local radio isn’t holding back either. “I don’t want to play this card, but the card is there: You won a World Series without him,” said Chris Dimino of Atlanta’s 680 The Fan. “What have you really done with him?”
There’s no official word from the front office, and Acuña’s contract still makes the deal complicated. But make no mistake: the combination of locker room strain, injury setbacks, and a team in transition has cracked the door open.
