Braves could sign $140M MVP, World Series champion in move that eases Ronald Acuna's workload

The Atlanta Braves are entering an offseason that should be relatively busy as free agency approaches. The team is coming off one of its worst seasons in recent memory. On Monday, they officially hired Walt Weiss as the next manager of the organization.

“The Atlanta Braves hired Walt Weiss as manager Monday, turning to their longtime bench coach in hopes of a turnaround after they missed the playoffs for the first time in seven years. Weiss, 61, managed the Colorado Rockies from 2013 to 2016, going 283-365 and never finishing higher than third place. He inherits a talented Braves team that finished 76-86 and was ravaged by injuries,” ESPN’s Jeff Passan wrote.

One name to potentially keep an eye on for the Braves is free agent Cody Bellinger, who just opted out of his contract with the New York Yankees.

“Cody Bellinger has opted out,” MLB Network insider Jon Heyman wrote.

Bellinger is expected to earn a significant payday this offseason—there’s no doubt about that.

“Predicted Contract: 5 years, $140 million. A $28 million AAV would give Bellinger a slight raise over the $26.6 million figure of his last contract, and while he might push for a sixth year, a five-year deal and an option for 2031 might be where his market ultimately lands,” Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter wrote.

In many ways, Bellinger makes sense as a fit in Atlanta.

“Bellinger seems to pop up as a potential Braves target every offseason, but if they haven’t pulled the trigger yet, it’s tough to see them doing so after his fantastic year in New York. He posted 5.0 WAR with 29 home runs and an .813 OPS. His defensive versatility will only boost his value. That said, his streaky offensive history dating back to 2021 could make some teams hesitant,” ATL Sports Talk’s Chase Irle wrote.

Signing Bellinger would allow the Braves to rest Ronald Acuña Jr. more often, or even platoon him with Jurickson Profar. Acuña could DH on days when Weiss wants to give him a break.

Bellinger’s defensive versatility is a major plus—he can play virtually anywhere. If Michael Harris II goes through another slump, Bellinger could step in at center field. The opportunities for the Braves with Bellinger are nearly endless.

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