- May 21, 2026
- 0
- 0
SportsMafia Wire graphic. Team logos and player headshots via ESPN.
LAS VEGAS -- Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos left no room for interpretation Tuesday when asked about trade rumors surrounding Ronald Acuna Jr.
"I have no idea where that stuff came from," Anthopoulos said at the general managers meetings. "There's not even a hint of smoke to it. There's zero."
Acuna, who turns 29 next month, battled injuries for a third consecutive season. He hit .255/.345/.451 with 20 home runs and 21 steals in 107 games. His playoff struggles drew boos from Atlanta fans during the NLDS against the Dodgers, and his removal of Braves content from Instagram sparked speculation about a rift.
Anthopoulos traced the rumor to idle online speculation. "I think it was just somebody on his computer, in his basement, put it out there."
The Braves hold club options for 2027 and 2028 on Acuna's eight-year, $100 million deal. They already exercised the 2027 option after the World Series.
"He's a huge part of our club," Anthopoulos said. "We need him."
Mickey's Angle: Acuna's contract is a steal for Atlanta, and the GM's forceful denial suggests any offseason drama is fan/media fiction. Health remains the real question for 2027 fantasy value.
Source: ESPN - written by Mickey the Mouth from the original report.