By: Capers Childs

TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services

Every time Ronald Acuña Jr. steps to the plate, Braves fans are reminded that Atlanta may have one of the best deals in baseball. He’s one of baseball’s biggest stars, and he can change a game with just one swing or one stolen base.

However, injuries have repeatedly threatened his career. And the question remains: Should the Braves pay him more despite the risks?

Ronald Acuña Jr. is a star outfielder for the Braves. He made his MLB debut in 2018 and quickly established himself as one of the most talked about players in the sport.

He is best known as the only player in baseball history to hit more than 40 home runs and steal more than 70 bases in a single season.

Acuña is also a five-time All-Star, a three-time Silver Slugger Award winner, and the 2018 National League Rookie of the Year. His power, speed, and athleticism make him a rare talent that few players are able to match.

Acuña’s impact goes far beyond statistics. Whenever he is in the lineup, the Braves have a greater chance of winning.

Fans enjoy watching him play, and his jersey is one of the most recognizable in baseball. As the face of the franchise, he has become a huge part of the Braves’ success over the past several seasons.

Players who can influence games like this are difficult to replace, making Acuña one of the organization’s most valuable assets.

However, a major risk of keeping Acuña on the team is his injury proneness. In both 2021 and 2024, he tore his ACL and that forced him to miss significant playing time.

An injury like this can affect a player’s speed, agility, and overall athleticism, which is detrimental to someone whose game relies heavily on his quickness and explosiveness.

Just as Acuña seemed unstoppable, another injury would strike, raising questions about his future durability. Because of this, some people argue that giving him a larger contract could be a gamble.

Still, elite players are rare, and Acuña has consistently shown that he can overcome adversity. After recovering from his first ACL injury, he returned to have one of the greatest seasons in baseball history and won the National League MVP Award.

His ability to bounce back demonstrates his talent, his determination and work ethic.

The Braves know exactly what kind of player and teammate they have in Acuña, which makes investing in him less risky than taking a chance on an unknown player.

Injuries may always be part of Ronald Acuña Jr.’s story. But when he is on the field, few players can match his talent, energy, or influence on a game.

For the Braves, paying Acuña more would not simply reward past success…it would be an investment in the future of the franchise and the player who has become its face.