ATLANTA, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 07: Ronald Acuna Jr. #13 of the Atlanta Braves reacts after striking out during the fifth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies during Game One of the Division Series at Truist Park on October 07, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Ronald Acuña Jr.adivision rivals the New York Mets, marking one of the most impactful changes in MLB history.
The catalyst? A deleted tweet, now infamous .
ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA – JULY 09: Ronald Acuna Jr. #13 of the Atlanta Braves looks on during a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on July 09, 2023 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Last week, Acuna publicly criticized Braves manager Brian Snitker after Jarred Kelenic didn’t rush to throw a double, saying:“If it were me, they would leave me on the bench on the spot.”
Although Acuña quickly deleted the tweet, the damage was already done. There were rumors that the Braves planned to suspend Acuna three games after his return from injury. But instead of waiting for the drama to escalate, the Atlanta board turned to the option of: sending their franchise player to Queens.
The Mets receive:
ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 27: Ronald Acuña Jr. #13 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates after stealing second base in the tenth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Truist Park on September 27, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. Acuña Jr. is the first player in MLB history to hit 40 home runs and steal 70 bases in a single season. (Photo by Matthew Grimes Jr./Atlanta Braves/Getty Images)
The Braves receive:
- Francisco Álvarez
- INF Luis Ángel Acuña
- SS/OF Jett Williams
- LD Christian Scott
- DE Drew Gilbert
Speaking to reporters outside Citi Field, Ronald Acuna said with a smile:“They wanted to suspend me… now they see me from the other dugout 13 times a year. I’m free.”
When asked about reuniting with his brother, Luisangel, he added:“I’ll see you in September, when we’re securing the split.”
Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor couldn’t hide his excitement:“This is the kind of move you make when you take October seriously. Ronnie in Queens? Come on!”
Pete Alonso intervened:“Braves fans will hate us more than ever. I love it.”
Braves fans weren’t so happy. The hashtag#FireAnthopoulosbecame a trend in a matter of minutes.
For the Mets, this is a statementInstant win. Pairing Acuña with Lindor, Alonso, and Juan Soto makes them instant favorites of the National League. Steve Cohen proves once again that the luxury tax is just a suggestion.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 07: Ronald Acuna Jr. #13 of the Atlanta Braves reacts after striking out during the fifth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies during Game One of the Division Series at Truist Park on October 07, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
For the Braves, it’s a damage control strategy, or so they’ll present it. They acquire a future All-Star receiver, two top 50 prospects and bring Luis Ángel Acuña home. But no package can replace a generational talent like Ronald.
The race for the NL East has become personal. The Mets now have the upper hand, while Braves fans wonder how it all fell apart over a single tweet.
First Mets-Bravos series after transfer? June 17 in Atlanta.and all our tickets are sold out
Stay tuned, because this saga is far from over.
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