Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos Dismisses Ronald Acuna Jr. Trade Rumors

General manager Alex Anthopoulos stated there have been zero trade conversations regarding Ronald Acuna Jr. following the outfielder's 20-home run campaign in 2026.

Atlanta Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos confirmed Tuesday at the general managers meetings in Las Vegas that the organization has held zero trade conversations regarding right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. The team recently exercised a $17 million club option to retain the five-time All-Star for the 2027 season. Acuna remains under team control through 2028 via an additional $17 million option.

During the 2026 regular season, Acuna appeared in 107 games, posting a .255/.345/.451 slash line with 20 home runs and 21 stolen bases. However, his production dipped in the postseason, where he went 3-for-24 with a .425 OPS across seven games. Following a National League Division Series loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, Acuna removed Braves-related content from his Instagram account, which contributed to external speculation about his future with the franchise.

Anthopoulos addressed the rumors by stating there have been no incoming or outgoing phone calls regarding a potential move. The GM noted that the 2023 NL MVP remains an integral part of the lineup, particularly as a right-handed bat. Acuna, who turns 29 next month, originally signed an eight-year, $100 million contract in 2019. Despite missing time due to injuries in each of the last three seasons, the front office expects to exercise his final club option for the 2028 campaign.