It's no secret that most Atlanta Braves fans were very displeased with Ronald Acuna Jr.'s postseason performance. He wasn't much of a factor, and it was hard to watch him struggle on a daily basis. He wasn't the only one who struggled. The entire top of Atlanta's lineup, including Drake Baldwin and Matt Olson, disappeared completely. That will almost always guarantee an early exit from the playoffs.
However, because Acuna Jr. is who he is, fans expect much more out of him than anyone else in big games. That's the nature of being a superstar and the face of the franchise. Everything is amplified, the good and the bad.
It's fair to have been frustrated with Acuna's disappearing act in the playoffs. The team really needed him to step up, but sometimes players just don't come through when they're supposed to. That's the nature of professional baseball. Players are going to fail at times.
Acuna was the first to tell the media, after the Braves were eliminated, that he should have done more. "I know the talent I have. It's frustrating to know you have that potential and not do anything with it." The accountability is great to hear, but that probably still won't satisfy some fans. However, former players and current teammates were quick to come to his defense after his struggles.
One of those is Hall of Fame pitcher Pedro Martinez. Martinez took to social media to show his support for Acuna. Martinez stated, "Ronald, this is a game of failures. My boy, every Latino who sees you play is very proud of you. Thank you for taking responsibility for what you couldn't do for your team."
Ronald, este es un juego de fallas. Mi niño, como quiera todo latino que te ve jugar está muy orgulloso de ti. Gracias por asumir la responsabilidad de lo que no pudiste hacer por tu equipo.
— Pedro Martinez (@45PedroMartinez) October 9, 2026
The backlash to Ronald Acuna Jr.'s struggles has been met with some fierce defenses of the young Braves star
It's important that fans don't gloss over the fact that Acuna took responsibility for it. He knows he failed everyone on the team, and that's a burden he will have to bear. Martinez's point about this being a game of failures is so important.
Baseball is a game that builds character, and it isn't for the faint of heart. Failure is going to happen much more than success. While it doesn't excuse him for not being at his best in the biggest moments, it should matter that he took accountability for it.
We love Ronald and are proud of him
— Pedro Martinez (@45PedroMartinez) October 9, 2026
Acuna loves the Braves, and he loves the game of baseball. That is easy to see when he's on the field. Things just haven't gone the way he's wanted them to since 2024. There's no doubt that Acuna will hope to prove to everyone he is still a difference-maker next season.
Martinez's comments should remind fans that these players represent more than the teams they play on. They are important figures in their local communities, whether that be within the US or internationally. There has been chatter online about potentially trading him in the offseason. That simply will not happen. Atlanta won't move on from a player of his caliber who is as affordable as Acuna is. He is slated to make $17 million in 2027 on a club option.
Maybe the Braves could use this opportunity to work on an extension before he reaches free agency in 2029. Yes, his injury history is tough, but that also may work in Atlanta's favor. They may be able to work out a contract that isn't as scary as it would have been if he'd been fully healthy the last few years.
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