Exclusive: Atlanta Braves analyst expects Ronald Acuna Jr. to hold out in hopes of a better contract: "I say he's going to hold out"
Ronald Acuna Jr. has been a core member of the Atlanta Braves since his debut in 2018. He quickly turned into the face of the franchise with his stellar play. He is undoubtedly a fan favorite in Atlanta.
The Braves were smart and locked him up in 2019 on a team-friendly deal. The two sides agreed to an eight-year, $100 million deal. That's a ton of money, but with all the deals that have happened over the last few seasons, it doesn't compare.
The Atlanta #Braves today agreed to terms with OF Ronald Acuña Jr. on an eight-year contract extension through 2026 worth $100 million, with club options for the 2027 and 2028 seasons. https://t.co/Rm18jswH5r
To put things into perspective, Rafael Devers of the Boston Red Sox just signed a 10-year, $313 million extension. Dansby Swanson signed a seven-year, $177 million contract with the Chicago Cubs.
It's no secret that Ronald Acuna Jr.'s. contract falls short. He feels he deserves more, and Atlanta Braves analyst Chris Domino breaks down how he thinks the young superstar achieves that in this Sportskeeda exclusive:
"He is starting to look around at Trea Turner and Carlos Rodon. And what Juan Soto is going to get or what Manny Machado got? I say he's going to hold out. People in the Braves hate when I say that out loud"
Dimino thinks that Acuna is going to hold out for a better contract. This isn't seen much around the MLB. This is more popular in the NFL, where players don't report to camp.
"You know, Ken Harrelson did it years ago," Dimino said. "You know, it's funny, Drysdale and Koufax in '66 held out together to try to get, I think, was $75,000 apiece. They wanted the same deal. And they held out, but it doesn't happen often."
Dimino recalled Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale holding out in 1966. Their holdout lasted 32 days. It was one of the rare times when players came together on a holdout.
"If Juan Soto gets $500 million, then Ronald Acuna Jr. might have to go pick his head off the ground and put it on his shoulders to tell the world that I'm actually holding out," Dimino said.
Dimino believes this is all going to come down to the contract Juan Soto signs. If Soto signs a monster deal, we may see Acuna sitting out.
The Atlanta Braves and Ronald Acuna Jr. need to figure this out
The Atlanta Braves have a core group of players that all teams wish they had, and it all starts with Ronald Acuna Jr. When healthy, he's one of the most complete players in the game today.
At one point, the only thing moving faster than Ronald Acuña Jr. was Ronald Acuña Jr.'s helmet.
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Atlanta can't let its young superstar feel unappreciated. The two sides need to figure this out. They'll need everybody on board to win another National League East championship.
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