Juan Soto’s groundbreaking 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets has sent ripples across Major League Baseball, particularly impacting the Atlanta Braves and their star, Ronald Acuña Jr.
Soto’s deal, which surpasses Shohei Ohtani’s $700 million contract, involves no deferred money, making him MLB’s highest-paid player. This move not only strengthens the Mets but reshapes the competitive landscape of the NL East, ending the Braves’ dominance over their division rivals.
The implications for Acuña Jr. are significant. Signed early in his career to an eight-year, $100 million contract, Acuña’s deal now looks like a bargain compared to Soto’s. Both players are of similar age and talent, yet Acuña’s early commitment may have cost him hundreds of millions. However, Acuña’s chance for a massive payday isn’t lost; his current contract expires after the 2028 season. If he remains healthy, a deal worth over $400 million could be achievable.
For the Braves, retaining Acuña at such a price seems unlikely, given their conservative spending history. To secure him long-term, Atlanta may need to negotiate another team-friendly extension before he hits free agency.
If not, Soto’s deal has set a standard other suitors will follow, potentially making Acuña’s future in Atlanta uncertain.
