Braves' Incredibly Cheap Acuña and Albies Extensions Give Them Freedom to Splurge on Josh Donaldson
By Michael Luciano
The Atlanta Braves already have two of their young superstars locked up long-term, and neither of them is going to be the kind of financial burden that scuttles potential free agency plans the franchise might have in the next few years.
Second baseman Ozzie Albies signed a a seven-year extension for just $35 million this year, while star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr.'s eight-year deal was an even $100 million. In the wide world of Major League Baseball, that's about as well-spent as money can be.
Breaking: Outfielder Ronald Acuña and the Braves are finalizing an 8-year, $100 million contract extension, league sources tell @JeffPassan. pic.twitter.com/xlOVlnXb1J
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 2, 2019
This leaves the Braves in prime position to re-sign free agent third baseman Josh Donaldson, a powerful force in the middle of the order potentially the verge of joining the division rival Washington Nationals to replace Anthony Rendon.
On a young Braves team, the Bringer of Rain provided a nice veteran yin to the youthful yang of Acuña, Albies, and starter Mike Soroka in 2019. He only mustered a .259 average, but he balanced that out with 37 home runs, 94 RBIs, and his usual solid defense at the hot corner.
Go and give him that extra year if you need to, boys. Albies and Acuña's deals made that possible.
Nats still appear focused on Josh Donaldson. Question is whether they go to 4th year. Braves seen as main competitor now, though several others have been involved. Washington plan B/C could be Maikel Franco. Could also look at Kyle Seager.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 14, 2019
With all the firepower in the NL East -- first and foremost, the new World Series champs -- now is not the time for Atlanta to go cheap. They have a need at third base and the financial resources to make it happen; allowing Donaldson to skip town could prove fatal for the Braves in 2020 and beyond.