The Atlanta Braves suffered a major blow when their star outfielder, Ronald Acuna Jr., blew out his knee for the second time this decade. Acuna is the heart and soul of this World Series-bound team, so this injury is as devastating as can be. But the show must go on, and this team is built to win now, so let’s look at replacing Acuña for the remainder of the season. We have lined up some very palatable options, but can the Braves get aggressive enough to pull them off?
3 Dynamic Acuña Replacements to Save the Braves Season
Luis Robert – Chicago White Sox
The first option is Luis Robert Jr. of the Chicago White Sox. At 15-42 (.236) the White Sox are hardcore sellers even going into June. Roberts has been making waves in the MLB since his debut in 2020. The 23-year-old outfielder possesses a rare combination of power, speed, and defensive prowess. Robert has incredible potential, and his performance with the White Sox has been nothing short of impressive. Robert has a +12 War in just his first four seasons and never hit below .300 his entire career. He’ll do nicely in the Braves outfield.
However, acquiring Robert would not come cheap. The White Sox values him highly and would likely demand a substantial return in trade negotiations. To start the conversation, the Braves would need to part ways with some of their top prospects, such as Bryce Elder, Hurston Waldrep, Owen Murphy, and Dylan Dodd. While Robert would undoubtedly be a significant asset for the Braves, the cost of acquiring him might be too steep.
George Springer – Toronto Blue Jays
George Springer, a World Series champion with the Houston Astros, signed with the Toronto Blue Jays in the 2020 offseason. Springer would be a sufficient replacement for Acuna in the Braves’ outfield; he is a lifetime .265 hitter and four-time all-star. His experience and leadership qualities would also be valuable assets for the shock-up Braves.
However, like Roberts, Springer would not come cheap. Blue Jays invested heavily in him, signing him to a lucrative contract. The Braves must negotiate with the Blue Jays and potentially part with the same prospects to secure Springer’s services. The Braves farm system is not deep or alluring, but if you are going to pay for Springer, a deal for Roberts would have better be a dead end.
Randy Arozarena – Tampa Bay Rays
The last of our dream options to save the Braves season is Randy Arozarena, who, after bursting onto the scene during the 2020 postseason, captured the attention of baseball fans worldwide. His electrifying performances in the playoffs earned him the title of MVP in the American League Championship Series. Only to raise his stock as one of the game’s most underappreciated superstars by dominating in the WBC, becoming a household name and darling to all baseball fans across the globe.
He can hit for power, get on base, and make game-changing plays in the outfield, making him an intriguing option. He is struggling this year with a .159 AVG and just eight HR in 220 plate appearances; a change of scenery would do him some good.
The Braves have a stellar lineup to pad him with hitters to get him out of his slump. Unlike Roberts and Springer, Arozarena might be a more affordable option for the Braves. The Rays should be willing to part with him, considering they are trailing the Yankees and Orioles by ten games and need to look at stocking their farm back up this season. Another big selling feature of Arozarena is that he isn’t too high-priced on his salary, just $8.1 million, and is under club control until 2027. Braves could make him a fixture in the outfielder for several years, even after Acuna is 100%.
