The Dodgers may have a pretty crazy trio of hitters, but when it comes to talking about the 2024 MVP in the National, it's still the name of Ronald Acuna Jr. that comes up first.
And it's not a title he stole – unlike the Braves star's many stolen bases – since the Braves outfielder is so dynamic.
At 26 years old, Acuna Jr. still has many good years left in the MLB. And for the Braves, the good news is that he wants to spend those years in Atlanta.
The outfielder confirmed he wants to remain a member of the Braves for the rest of his life. He hopes to be able to resolve this as quickly as possible.
Obviously, Quebecer Alex Anthopoulos knows he has a gem on hand. He has no right to remove this player from his lineup.
The good news? In the medium term, Acuna Jr. is here to stay.
If the player had chosen to go year by year, he would have become a free agent in a year. But because he signed an eight-year contract several years ago, the Braves have control over him.
Basically, he has three years left at $17 million per year. And thereafter, the Braves have two option years at $17 million each.
Result? Acuna Jr. could spend the next five years in Atlanta without the Braves trading for him. But would that be ideal? Not necessarily.
After all, the outfielder wants to settle this quickly. If the club doesn't do anything for five years to keep him at a good price, it's possible that in five years he won't want to be in Atlanta for life.
Anthopoulos could therefore negotiate a contract that would erase the option years and keep him in town for (let's say) ten more years.
If it happens, it won't be at a discount like the first time, that said. Acuna Jr. could ask for several hundred million dollars due to his immense talent.
And the management of the Braves knows that.
I really wonder if there will be negotiations soon. After all, the sooner the matter is resolved, the better it will be for everyone.
