Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Ronald Acuna Jr. reveals his massive request for Braves

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 2/17/24

The Atlanta Braves have refused to give star players massive contracts in recent years. However, it's fair to wonder whether they'll make an exception for outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr.

"It's not a secret that I want to be a Brave for life," Acuna said Friday, per The Athletic's David O'Brien. "Yeah, that's my hope. I hope I can stay here forever, and hopefully, we can make that happen soon."

Last season, the 26-year-old became the first player in baseball history with at least 40 home runs and 70 stolen bases, earning National League MVP. He also led the majors in on-base percentage (.416), hits (217) and runs (149).

- @ronaldacunajr24 did it.

We'll be ceaselessly reciting this moment for the rest of baseball history. pic.twitter.com/qDqpXPHItB
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) September 28, 2023

The Braves don't have to extend him immediately. In 2019, the four-time All-Star signed an eight-year, $100M deal, which includes team options in 2027 and 2028.

Spotrac projects the Braves' 2024 payroll to be $221.31M. The 2024 luxury tax is $237M; if Atlanta exceeds this figure, it probably has to pay a sizeable tax.

Acuna Jr. probably wants a raise, though. His base salary over the next three seasons is $17M. Spotrac estimates his market value to be a 10-year deal worth $38.4M annually, second among outfielders and the fifth-highest in the league.

The Braves let former stars Freddie Freeman and Dansby Swanson walk when their contracts ended, but it would be a mistake for Atlanta to do the same with a better player in Acuna Jr.

"I'm sure that's the hope of all the Braves fans and everybody in the organization," Braves manager Brian Snitker said of the star's desire to remain in Atlanta. "Because a rare talent like that, you'd love to see him in this uniform and see him retire and go into the Hall of Fame with that A on his cap."

O'Brien noted both parties will probably agree on an extension before the option year. Acuna Jr., meanwhile, will aim to repeat as NL MVP. As of Friday, FanDuel gives him the best odds (+500) of winning the award.

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