Braves fans, the Juan Soto megadeal has sent shockwaves through the baseball world, and guess what? It’s got a lot of people in Braves Country nervously glancing toward Ronald Acuña Jr.’s future. Soto’s 15-year, $765 million contract with the Mets wasn’t just a headline — it was a neon sign flashing, “What’s Acuña gonna be worth when he hits free agency?”
What’s Ronald Acuña Jr. Worth Today?
First things first: what’s Acuña’s value if he were on the market today? The numbers don’t lie. Even after missing the last four months of the 2024 season, Acuña’s talent isn’t up for debate. Remember 2023? The dude was a one-man highlight reel with 41 home runs and 73 steals. He led the NL with a .416 on-base percentage and a 1.012 OPS, picked up his fourth All-Star nod, and grabbed his third Silver Slugger.
The Knee Factor: A Risk Teams Can’t Ignore
But where things get a bit dicey is those knees of his. Two ACL surgeries are like a ticking time bomb in a sport that’s all about longevity and durability. Teams love a superstar, but they really love a superstar they can count on for the long haul. Sure, Acuña bounced back to deliver that incredible 40/70 season post-injury, but the question hanging over his future is, can he keep up that level of production?
Now, let’s talk dollars. If Acuña rebounds to MVP form (and there’s a solid chance he will), he could absolutely command a deal close to Soto’s on an average annual value (AAV) basis. Soto’s contract works out to $51 million per year. Could Acuña be worth $40 million a season? Easily. But here’s the catch: Acuña’s unlikely to score a deal that stretches 10 or 15 years. Why? Because by the time he hits free agency, he’ll be 31 years old — a full five years older than Soto is right now.
Let’s not forget that his current contract, if the Braves pick up those two club options (which seems almost guaranteed unless his knees completely give out), locks him in at $17 million per season through 2028. That means Acuña’s free-agent moment won’t come until the end of the 2028 season when he’s staring down 32. Teams are going to hedge their bets on a player with an injury history entering his 30s. Long-term security? Probably off the table.
Could an 8-Year, $320 Million Braves Deal Be in the Cards?
But let’s play with some numbers. An 8-year, $320 million deal? That’s an AAV of $40 million, and it would make Ronald Acuña one of the highest-paid players in the league. It would land him fourth on the list of MLB’s top salaries. But total value? Eh, not so impressive. That wouldn’t crack the top 10 biggest contracts today. So, could he push for $375 million over 8 years? Maybe. That’s a touch above Mookie Betts’ $365 million deal with the Dodgers.
Will the Braves Pay Up or Move On?
But now comes the real nail-biter for Braves fans: can Atlanta afford to keep him? The Braves have locked in their core with smart, affordable contracts — but those bargains won’t last forever. Ozzie Albies becomes a free agent after 2027, and Spencer Strider hits the market in 2029. Choices will have to be made. Can the Braves really splurge on Acuña and hold onto Albies and Strider?
And hey, remember 2021? The Braves won it all without Acuña down the stretch. Harsh truth, but it matters when you’re calculating future investments. If Acuña’s price tag is north of $40 million per season, the Braves might decide it’s wiser to spread that money around.
The final twist? What does Ronald Acuña want? If he’s gunning for a Soto-sized payday, Atlanta probably isn’t his final stop. But if he’s open to a deal that keeps him in Braves Country without maxing out his market value, well, there’s hope yet.
So, Braves fans, keep your eyes peeled and your fingers crossed. The road to 2028 is long, and Acuña’s knees, numbers, and next moves are going to be one wild ride. For even more details on all of this, SI.com has additional insights.
