The Atlanta Braves will yet again be without Ronald Acuna Jr. for a time as the star outfielder hit the injured list for the second time this season. Acuna is dealing with a hamstring injury, and understandably, the Braves are opting to be cautious with a huge division lead and plenty of depth to lean on in the absence of the star. However, a bigger story for the Braves is what lies ahead for a franchise player who has proven to be an injury liability.
Two years of team control remain for the Braves, with a clear decision coming as Acuna's massive contract will expire after the 2028 season. Each of the next two years, Atlanta has a team option on the star and will make an obvious decision to continue his time with the franchise. Where this gets difficult is realizing the historic numbers the front office could be asked to reach when it comes to reaching an extension agreement.
Re-signing Acuna might appear an obvious decision at first glance, but this injury serves as a reminder that the outfielder is quickly piling up a concerning injury history. Players rarely get healthier as they age, setting up any potential extension as a clear concern for Atlanta.
Braves Should Think Carefully Before Offering Ronald Acuna Jr. Historic Extension
It is very much on the table that Acuna is going to make $300-400 million based on how the next two seasons go. When considering whether or not this is a worthwhile investment, the Braves have to consider the injury risks as well as how similar contracts have aged around the league. This isn't to say that an extension is impossible, but that if Acuna prioritizes getting the most out of free agency over staying in Atlanta, it is increasingly possible the two sides part ways.
Looking at Acuna's market value, it is fair to wonder if a team desperate for relevancy would outbid the Braves, pushing well past their comfort zone. This makes it clear that if an extension is going to happen, it should be over the next year, offering Acuna future stability without putting Atlanta's payroll out of the team's comfort zone.
This injury simply serves as a reminder of the obvious risks if the Braves wait out the rest of the deal and wait for market value to determine a potential signing. It points to the unavoidable fact that if a deal cannot be done soon, it is very easy to argue that an extension might not be in Atlanta's best interest.
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