MLB Network clearly is running out of ideas after insane Braves trade proposal

The Atlanta Braves are lucky to have one of the best players in baseball on their roster. Ronald Acuña Jr. has been a revelation since his rookie season in 2018. Yes, there have been ups and downs. However, you cannot deny the talent he brings to the table. Unfortunately, that hasn't stopped pundits from trying to engineer scenarios where Atlanta could be traded.

Two knee injuries have been the biggest issues for Acuña thus far. He came back this season very strong and earned a spot in the All-Star Game in front of his home fans. Unfortunately, the team hasn't performed well overall, and Acuña is currently in a massive slump. Over his last 14 games, Acuña is batting .130 with just six hits, two RBI, one stolen base, eight walks, and 15 strikeouts.

It could be that he isn't back to 100% from his Grade 1 calf strain. He's not been the same hitter, nor has he been very adventurous in the outfield. He's appeared hesitant to dive for balls and seems to struggle getting to balls he normally would get to easily.

Brian Snitker has also not had him in the leadoff spot very much, which does seem odd. In fact, Acuña recently batted seventh in the order. That could be messing with his head a bit. He's always seemed to be at his best when leading off games.

All of this has led to MLB Network using these recent struggles to once again speculate that the Braves should explore the possibility of trading him.

MLB Network can't seem to help themselves with Ronald Acuña Jr. trade proposals

It's a topic that the network (and others like ESPN) has been harping on all year. They've continued to drive this narrative that the Braves aren't treating him right. Harold Reynolds, who isn't known for the smartest takes, says putting him sixth or seventh in the lineup is "destroying the player".

Matt Vasgersian chimed in and said, "You know it's not making him happy." They continued to talk about how if the team valued Acuña, "his happiness and him buying in again should be the number one priority for the rest of this season."

Reynolds then dropped the strangest claim that the Braves are treating Jurickson Profar better than they are Acuña. He mentions the discomfort of Acuña having to bat further down in the order. While that may be true, he is a major leaguer. Their job is to make adjustments and find ways to succeed.

MLB Network seems desperate for there to be drama in Atlanta just so they can get a good sound bite. They've long driven this narrative that the organization doesn't treat him right and that Acuña needs to be traded.

Chris Dimino and Nick Cellini from 680 The Fan touched on this topic as well. Dimino made a good point that he wants his GM to have the "stomach to consider everything." He also points out there's a value to both sides for Acuña to stay. He can prove he's worth a massive contract by staying healthy, and the Braves have him for an affordable rate for the next few seasons.

Cellini points out that there would be backlash from fans if that's something the team did. Whether the Braves decide to do that or not depends on many factors. Fans love him, and it seems like it would destroy any confidence fans have left in the front office.

The main takeaway here is that MLB Network is stupid for constantly trying to drive a wedge between Acuña and the Braves. They need to find ways to get engagement online, so this won't be the last we hear of it.

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