Braves Stars Ronald Acuna Jr. and Ozzie Albies Emerge as Top Trade Candidates

The Atlanta Braves’ loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Division Series has sparked immediate speculation that two of the franchise’s longest-tenured players could be moved before the 2027 season. Bleacher Report analyst Joel Reuter placed outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. at No. 1 and second- baseman Ozzie Albies at No. 24 on his list of the season’s most valuable trade chips.

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The Braves entered the postseason as National League East champions but were eliminated in the first round. Both players have spent a decade with Atlanta, contributing to the 2021 World Series title. Their contracts now sit on the team’s payroll at relatively modest rates, prompting front office General Manager Alex Anthopoulos to consider whether a roster overhaul could improve the club’s chances of another championship.

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• Ronald Acuna Jr. appeared in 107 games in 2026, posting 20 home runs, 55 RBIs and a .255 batting average. His postseason performance dropped to 3-for-24 (.125) with no RBIs.

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• Ozzie Albies played all 162 games, hitting 22 home runs, driving in 73 runs and batting .237. Over the last two seasons his OPS+ settled at 88 and his on-base percentage at .299.

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• Acuna’s career includes five All-Star selections, three Silver Slugger awards, an MVP award, and a .895 OPS. He signed an eight-year, $100 million contract at age 21, with team options for 2027 and 2028 at $17 million each.

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• Albies has accumulated 25.7 WAR, earned four All-Star nods and two Silver Slugger awards, and carries a $7 million club option for 2027.

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Anthopoulos is reported to anticipate a “busy winter” as the Braves evaluate free-agent contracts and potential trade opportunities. The analyst also notes that Acuna’s salary for the next two seasons is low compared with 17 other MLB outfielders in 2026, making him an attractive asset. Potential suitors mentioned include the Seattle Mariners, New York Mets and New York Yankees.

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For Albies, the discussion centers on his affordable contract and declining production. While his $7 million option remains inexpensive, the Braves would likely require a substantial offer to move him, especially if the team’s performance in the first half of the 2027 season falters.

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• “The 2023 NL MVP and face of the franchise had a good-not-great 2026 season, and a quick move to scrub the Braves from his Instagram account immediately after they were eliminated from the playoffs fueled speculation a split might be on the horizon this winter,” — Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter

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• “To say I’m disappointed would be an understatement,” — Ronald Acuna

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The offseason will determine whether the Braves pursue trade talks for either player. If Acuna is moved, the deal would be classified as a “blockbuster” given his contract status and on-field pedigree. Albies could become a trade candidate later in the season if the Braves’ early performance triggers a deadline-season move, though his low-cost option reduces immediate pressure to negotiate. Both scenarios hinge on the outcomes of free-agent negotiations and the willingness of interested clubs to meet Atlanta’s valuation.

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