The idea that the Atlanta Braves could trade Ronald Acuña Jr. remains a deeply silly notion. Yes, he has had a tough go since winning NL MVP in 2023 due, in part, to injuries and maddeningly inconsistent performance. However, he remains a talent who can win games single-handedly on an extremely reasonable contract. If you are playing against the Braves, you HAVE to have a plan on how to neutralize him, even when Acuña Jr. isn't playing his best.
However, the lack of logic hasn't stopped experts and executives from speculating that the Braves could actually trade Acuña Jr. as soon as this offseason. Assuming a world where Atlanta agrees that the team would be better off if they traded Acuña Jr., which teams would make sense as trade partners?
Here are some potential trade suitors who might actually make sense if Braves do move Ronald Acuña Jr.
Almost every team in MLB would love Acuña Jr. on their roster, but that does not mean every team is a fit. Despite some deranged trade proposals out there to the contrary, the only way the Braves will move Acuña Jr. is if it comes with a VERY substantial return package for them. However, a few teams truly need offense and also have the prospect capital to get a deal across the finish line. Also, forget about the Braves trading Acuña Jr. within the NL East, no matter how hard they beg. That isn’t happening.
Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox have a lot of young talent on both sides of the ball, but they haven't been able to put it together under chief baseball officer Craig Breslow. Some of that is because Breslow has the people skills of a grapefruit, but Boston could also use a dynamic offensive talent who hits right-handed, and Acuña Jr. could be the blockbuster move Boston needs to get them over the top.
If the Red Sox are serious about pursuing Acuña Jr., they would have to make top prospect Franklin Arias available, and he would certainly be tempting given Atlanta's shortstop issues. However, between Arias and Justin Gonzales, the Red Sox have the blue-chip offensive prospects to build a package around for Acuña Jr. (although getting both isn't gonna happen).
Seattle Mariners
The story is the same nearly every year with the Mariners. They usually have one of the best pitching staffs in all of baseball, but the offense is a letdown. With Randy Arozarena likely leaving town this offseason, it is likely that offensive ineptitude will continue unless Lazaro Montes morphs into a superstar.
Moreover, the Mariners have plenty of prospect depth to work with. Prying Kade Anderson away from Seattle may prove difficult, but RHP Ryan Sloan, SS Felnin Celesten, and 3B Ace Reese are all quality prospects who could be interesting to the Braves if they are willing to wait a year or so for them to be close to ready.
Milwaukee Brewers
Okay, this is a weird one, as the Brewers tend to trade players away when they approach free agency. However, the Brewers' World Series run has shown that their competitive window is right now, and that Christian Yelich isn't getting any younger or less beat up. With Acuña Jr.'s contract being reasonable and flexible (both years are club options now), he could be exactly the kind of star Milwaukee could push to acquire.
The Brewers may not be an ideal trade partner if the Braves are looking to add pitching (unless they are willing to include Jacob Misiorowski for some crazy reason), but they are LOADED with hitting prospects. Assuming a world where Milwaukee balks at including Jesus Made, they still have OF Josh Adamczewski, SS/3B Brady Ebel, 1B/3B Andrew Fischer, and the injured SS Luis Pena, who all could help form a package that would at least make Atlanta think.
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates are a fun baseball team. Their front office's competence is questionable, and the Pirates have one of the worst owners in professional sports, but they are very fun. They are also one dynamic bat or two away from being perennial playoff contenders, especially if Konnor Griffin takes the next step in 2027. In terms of teams that could covet a talent like Acuña Jr., Pittsburgh is near the top of the list.
With a pair of option years, the Pirates may not immediately balk at Acuña Jr.'s salary, although they remain one of baseball's cheapest teams. If Pittsburgh made RHP phenom Seth Hernandez available, the Braves should absolutely answer the phone. Even if Hernandez is off limits (which we would respect), they still have OF Edward Florentino, 3B Murf Gray, and SS Wyatt Sanford who could form the basis of a deal in the unlikely event that Acuña Jr. is made available.
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