ESPN.com · 28m
Braves GM emphatically shuts down Acuna trade speculation: 'We need him'
LAS VEGAS -- If there were any doubts about the Atlanta Braves' commitment to Ronald Acuna Jr., general manager Alex Anthopoulos squashed them Tuesday when asked about the trade rumors surrounding his star right fielder.
"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, was hampered by injuries in 2026 for the third straight season since winning National League MVP in 2023. He batted .255/.345/.451 with 20 home runs and 21 steals on 29 attempts in 107 games during the regular season before going 3-for-24 with a .425 OPS in seven playoff games.