Braves Spring Training is in full swing as the club takes on the Rays today in the Grapefruit League opener with Spencer Strider on the mound and, surprisingly, Marcell Ozuna on first base.
Obviously, one of the talking points of Braves Spring Training has been Ronald Acuña Jr., though. The reigning MVP became the first player in history to hit 40 or more homers (41) and steal 70 or more bases (73) in the same season en route to a unanimous selection to the league’s top award.
Acuña is the most electric player in the game today, and he spoke at Braves Spring Training about remaining in the organization for the rest of his career.
“It’s no secret I want to be a Brave for life,” Acuña said in his first appearance with the media since the offseason. “That’s my hope. I hope I can stay here forever. Hopefully, we can make it happen soon.”
With $85 million and five years left on his deal, the Venezuelan superstar isn’t close to testing free agency, but the sooner Alex Anthopoulos gets an extension done, the more team-friendly it will be for Atlanta.
Something around $400 million in total money with the current contract and extension should be in the ballpark of what Acuña will garner because if he hits the open market following his age-30 season, the Braves will surely get outbid in free agency as fans have seen happen with other faces of the franchise.
I was down in North Port at Braves Spring Training and got a close-up look at Ronald Acuña Jr., and all I could do was say ‘Wow.’ His power is effortless, but what was most exciting was the joy he exuded, interacting with the fan base and his genuine love for the game.
In the latest edition of SportsTalkATL, I’m live from Braves Spring Training with Fox 5’s Miles Garrett to talk about Acuña’s impact, his desire to be a Brave for life, and a potential contract to make that happen.
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Photographer: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
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