The Atlanta Braves are simply going through the motions at this point, with no chance of making the postseason. However, major questions loom — most notably whether manager Brian Snitker will return. Even Snitker himself doesn't seem certain, but in the meantime, he appears to be sending a message to Ronald Acuña Jr.
“While his return from knee surgery went extremely well, Acuña Jr. has seemingly struggled to bounce back into form after his Achilles'/calf injury. In fact, some fans are already concerned that there is something deeply wrong with Acuña Jr. and it could bleed into 2026 and beyond,” wrote HTHB’s Eric Cole
With increased scrutiny on Snitker, speculation is rising that the Braves could even move on from Acuña if the manager stays. The franchise star has voiced his displeasure with Snitker at times, and one trade prediction even sends him to the Chicago Cubs.
“MLB analyst Jim Riley of the BALLCAP Sports podcast analyzed potential trade packages from several teams, and he suggested trading for Acuna would be a good rebound for the Chicago Cubs to consider if they lose Kyle Tucker in free agency. Riley proposed the Cubs could acquire Acuna for a package of MLB-ready outfield prospect Owen Cassie (No. 44 in MLB, No. 1 for Chicago), pitchers Ben Brown and Javier Assad, and Double-A shortstop Pedro Ramirez (No. 8 for Chicago),” heavy.com’s Dave Benson said.
Local voices in Atlanta are also questioning Acuña’s value, pointing out the team’s biggest accomplishment came without him.
“I don’t want to play this card, but the card is there: You won a World Series without him,”
Chris Dimino of 680 The Fan in Atlanta said. “What have you really done with him?”
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A trade involving Acuña still seems unlikely — but it's not out of the realm of possibility. Tension with Snitker, lingering injuries, and the team’s underwhelming season could force an unprecedented shake-up. A move to the Cubs would also reunite Acuña with former teammate and World Series champion Dansby Swanson.