Update (3/27, 1:47 PM ET): MLB.com’s Mark Bowman cites a source who says there’s no validity to Marcano’s report.
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Arturo Marcano of ESPN Deportes reports that Braves outfield prospect Ronald Acuña turned down a $30 million contract extension from the Braves. This comes on the heels of recent extensions signed by Scott Kingery (six years, $24 million) and Ketel Marte (five years, $24 million).
It’s no surprise that Acuña, 20, is betting on himself. Many young players end up signing extensions like that because they value the up-front security. Acuña, however, is considered to be the best position player prospect in baseball. The only reason he isn’t on the Braves’ Opening Day roster is for service time reasons, as he torched spring pitching to the tune of a .432 average with four home runs and 11 RBI in 52 plate appearances. Last year, between three levels of the minors between High-A and Triple-A, Acuña hit .325/.374/.522 with 21 home runs, 82 RBI, 88 runs scored, and 44 stolen bases in 612 plate appearances.
For the first two weeks of the season, left field will be manned primarily by Preston Tucker. Once April 13 rolls around, expect Acuña to be there.
