Extending Ronald Acuña Jr. figures to be one of the most complex challenges the Atlanta Braves will face in the next couple of years. While Atlanta still has three seasons of team control, the clock is ticking on the chance to get another deal done for their franchise player. Thanks to Acuña Jr.’s superstar production, MVP pedigree, and the league-wide rise in dollars given to elite hitters, Ronald remaining a Brave for life feels more complicated by the day.
Cody Bellinger is the latest example of a hitter cashing out in free agency. He signed a five-year, $162.5 million contract with the Yankees on Wednesday afternoon, complete with all the bells and whistles a free agent could want, including opt-outs and a full no-trade clause. Bellinger is 30 years old, the same age Ronald would be when he enters free agency after the 2028 season. Is this a precursor to what Ronald could demand in a few years?
Cody Bellinger's deal with the Yankees is for five years and $162.5 million, sources tell ESPN. There are opt-outs after the second and third season, a $20M signing bonus and a full no-trade clause.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 21, 2026
Cody Bellinger's deal with Yankees probably means the Braves have even slimmer odds of keeping Ronald Acuña Jr. from reaching free agency
Any long-term extension would require Atlanta to balance financial flexibility with the risk inherent in lengthy, high-dollar deals, particularly given Acuña’s injury history. The Braves must also account for future extensions for other core players, making payroll allocation a delicate exercise. Retaining Acuña long term is a priority, but accomplishing it will not be easy.
As mentioned, Bellinger pulled in $162 million despite his up-and-down career thus far. Signing Acuña will almost certainly require more, both in total dollars and years. Soaring AAV costs have run rampant this winter, and as things stand, it feels like the players hold all the power in negotiations. The Braves right fielder is surely aware of this, and anticipating cashing in himself in a few years time.
Unfortunately, Alex Anthopoulos has never shown a willingness to shop for premier free agents, which Acuña would certainly be in the 2028 offseason. When bidding against the Mets and Dodgers, that reluctance is understandable. With each big-money contract we see like Bellinger or Kyle Tucker or Bo Bichette, it feels increasingly likely that Ronald would have no trouble finding a deal worth at least $300 million if not significantly more.
Braves fans will hold out hope that Anthopoulos can work some magic and get an extension done before that day comes. However, it’s best not to get your hopes up, as each passing day makes it increasingly likely that Acuña Jr. will be the next big-ticket free agent in just a few years.