The Atlanta Braves' ownership and front office are hardly cheap, as they're currently eighth in MLB with a $266.7 million tax payroll for 2026, per Spotrac. The problem is that they're still spending around $147 million less than the Los Angeles Dodgers, who have won the last two World Series titles and could three-peat next season after signing four-time All-Star Kyle Tucker to a four-year, $240 million deal on Thursday.

Atlanta radio host Matt Chernoff, who hosts the "Chuck and Chernoff Show" on 680 The Fan, thinks that the Tucker situation is ominous for Ronald Acuna Jr.'s future with the Braves.

“How many of you had the thought like I did last night that you better enjoy Ronald Acuna now?" he asked on Friday. "You're in the final stages of Ronald Acuna as a Brave. They're never gonna pay that kind of thing, because most teams don't. It's the Dodgers, it's the [New York] Mets, maybe the [New York] Yankees, maybe the [Philadelphia] Phillies.” 

"And I'm gonna say the most unpopular thing I've ever said," he continued. "If he has a huge year this year and stays healthy, I think you really have to entertain the idea of moving him to get the maximum value...What just happened with Kyle Tucker [expletive] any chance of the Atlanta Braves holding on to Ronald Acuna, because there are about three or four teams that swim in those waters."

Acuna has one year left on his pre-arbitration extension before $17 million club options in 2027 and 2028, per Spotrac. The 28-year-old will also make $17 million in 2026, which is a bargain considering that he's one of the best players in franchise history and is still in his prime.

Acuna slashed .290/.417/.518 with 21 homers and 42 RBIs over 95 games last season, in which he also made $17 million. On the other hand, Tucker slashed .266/.377/.464 with 22 homers and 73 RBIs over 136 games for the Chicago Cubs on a $16.5 million arbitration deal. 

Acuna produced a better slash line and hit just one less home run over 41 fewer games than Tucker in 2025, and now the latter player has an average annual salary of $60 million with the Dodgers. Los Angeles can afford to take nine-figure luxury tax penalties on top of its MLB-high payroll thanks to its endless stream of revenue from TV, game tickets, merchandise, and more, but Atlanta is not on that level business-wise. That's why Chernoff doesn't think it will retain its homegrown star when he inevitably commands an average annual salary similar to Tucker's, so long as he stays healthy.

This imbalance between the Dodgers and the rest of baseball is the main topic of discussion around the game right now ahead of the Dec. 1 expiration date of the current collective bargaining agreement between MLB and MLBPA. There could be a lockout in 2027 if the two sides don't reach a new deal before then, and that would throw a wrench in any trade plans the Braves have with Acuna.

Regardless, if Atlanta does trade the five-time All-Star for prospects and young big-leaguers, it would be a rebuilding move for an organization with one of the most talented rosters in the sport. If the Dodgers as well as other big-market teams like the Yankees and Mets continously poach stars in their prime from other squads, it will be tough for the majority of clubs to have sustained success.