The Atlanta Braves are preparing for a new season. They are hoping that Ronald Acuna Jr. can find a way to stay healthy. While on the field, the All-Star outfielder has been incredible. The problem is that he's only played in 120 or more games in a season on two separate occasions since making his big league debut back in 2018.
The two seasons in which he accomplished the feat came in 2019 and 2023. The result? A fifth place National League MVP finish in 2019, and in 2023 Acuna won the award. In 2025, Acuna slashed .290/.417/.518, but appeared in only 95 total games.
Acuna's current contract includes club options for both 2027 and 2028. However, should Atlanta consider offering him a contract extension? Former MLB general manager and current analyst Jim Bowden believes so. In fact, Bowden even suggested a 10-year, $500 million extension, something he said via MLB Network Radio.
"Do it right now and do not wait until he has an MVP season," Bowden explained. "Because if he has an MVP season, he's going to be $800 million a year from now. I'm not exaggerating... Or he's going to be $75 million a year for five years with three opt-outs. So, if you want him, sign him coming off 21 homers and nine steals... I would put $500 million in front of him right now for 10 years and see if he takes it."
Should Braves Offer Ronald Acuna Jr. a Contract Extension?
Bowden's point is understandable. He believes the Braves should sign Acuna now while he may be open to agreeing to a cheaper contract. Although $500 million is still lucrative, it is obviously a much more affordable deal than what Acuna could command if he has another MVP-caliber campaign.
It's a risk-reward decision. If healthy, Acuna is arguably the best position player in the game. If you sign him to a 10-year extension, though, the injury risk cannot be ignored.
The Braves do not have to rush into discussing an extension with Acuna. Sure, his possible extension price would sky-rocket with a big 2026 season. Another injury-riddled year may cause Atlanta to hesitate on the extension idea, though.
In a perfect world, Ronald Acuna Jr. would stay healthy for the rest of his career. Injuries are an unfortunate part of sports, however. They have played a role in Acuna's career, and a 10-year contract would be a massive risk.
Will Atlanta listen to Bowden's advice and make him a 10-year offer? Or will the Braves end up waiting before offering him a new deal?
Only time will tell, but the club options for the next two seasons are pivotal. They provide the Braves with extra time before making a final decision.