Cubs’ Trade Package Suggested Amid Growing Ronald Acuña Jr. Trade Speculation
Could the Atlanta Braves really entertain the idea of trading Ronald Acuña Jr.? 
Acuña, the 2023 NL MVP, five-time All-Star, and three-time Silver Slugger, is still just 28 years old and under contract for one more year at $17 million, with two club options at the same price. His production when healthy is undeniable: in the two seasons he played nearly every game—156 games in 2019 and 159 games during his MVP year—Acuña hit 41 home runs, drove in over 100 RBIs, and stole 110 bases, including 73 in his MVP season.
However, injuries have kept him from playing a full season multiple times, including a rough 2023, where he played just 49 games due to injury. Additionally, the Braves won the 2021 World Series while Acuña was sidelined with an ACL tear, leading some to question how indispensable he truly is.
“I don’t want to play this card, but the card is there: You won a World Series without him,” said sportscaster Chris Dimino. “What have you really done with him?”
Ronald Acuña Jr. Could Command a Major Trade Return
Despite the questions surrounding Acuña’s health and availability, the Braves could command a significant return for him in a trade. MLB Network analysts pointed out how valuable Acuña would be on the market.
“You’d get a haul for Ronald Acuña Jr.,” said Greg Amsinger.
Harold Reynolds, who had previously suggested trading Acuña, reiterated, “That’s how you turn the organization around.”
MLB analyst Jim Riley of the BALLCAP Sports podcast proposed a potential trade package for the Cubs, suggesting they could acquire Acuña in exchange for outfield prospect Owen Cassie (ranked No. 44 overall and No. 1 for the Cubs), pitchers Ben Brown and Javier Assad, and Double-A shortstop Pedro Ramirez (No. 8 for Chicago). If the Cubs were to lose Kyle Tucker to free agency, Riley argued that Acuña could provide the perfect rebound.
Tension in Atlanta Fuels Acuña Trade Talk
Recent tensions in Atlanta have further fueled speculation about a potential Acuña trade. Braves manager Brian Snitker made headlines when he dropped Acuña from his usual leadoff spot to the 6th and 7th positions during a four-game stretch amid a slump. Some critics saw the move as a sign of disrespect for the veteran star, with Snitker seemingly trying to send a message to Acuña.
“If you value Ronald Acuña Jr., his happiness and his finding it again should be the No. 1 priority for the rest of the season,” said MLB Network’s Amsinger.
Nick Cellini, co-host of 680 The Fan with Dimino, acknowledged the allure of trading Acuña for a big return but stressed the risks of such a move, particularly the intense public backlash it would generate.
“If you really want to flip the organization and rebuild, then yeah, that’s the guy you’re going to trade,” said Cellini. “But there’s a flip side to that coin, and people are going to go crazy in this town if you make that deal. Crazy.”
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