Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. made headlines after being elected to his fifth All-Star Game as a starter, matching the franchise record held by legends Hank Aaron and Dale Murphy. Notably, Acuña achieved this milestone despite debuting later in the season, specifically after the 50th game. He expressed gratitude to the fans for their unwavering support during his recovery, stating, “I really have to just give credit to all the fans… without them, I’m not here.” The only other player in MLB history who also started the All-Star Game after debuting mid-season was Yankees great Joe DiMaggio, who made a significant impact in his game.
As the July 31 Trade Deadline approaches, the conversation around potential trades within the Braves organization is becoming more pronounced. Recent discussions from prominent sports analysts suggest a shift towards a “sell” mentality within the organization; however, general manager Alex Anthopoulos firmly stated that he does not intend to sell players with long-term contracts. The team has several options for trading, including designated hitter Marcell Ozuna, second baseman Ozzie Albies, and relievers Raisel Iglesias and Pierce Johnson. It’s anticipated that pitching options may be more likely to move, while position players like Ozuna could potentially veto trades.
In a segment on MLB Network, the notion to trade Acuña was met with skepticism from fans and analysts alike, many calling it a reckless move. David O’Brien emphasized that trading Acuña would alienate the fanbase, reinforcing the idea that he is too valuable and beloved to be part of any trade discussions.
Moreover, Braves manager Brian Snitker continues to back struggling hitter Marcell Ozuna, who has had a lackluster performance in recent weeks. Discussions are brewing about potentially playing both catchers to alleviate some pressure from Ozuna. Snitker’s adherence to maintaining the current lineup might be a gamble but reflects a belief in players finding their form again.
This period could signal a turning point for the Braves, balancing the expectations of an impending trade deadline while integrating several players back into form. While there are challenges ahead, Acuña’s electrifying talent amid fan support serves as a bright spot for the team as they navigate these critical months.