‘I want to be a Brave for life’ - Atlanta Braves trailblazer Ronald Acuna Jr. expresses desire to see out his career with reigning NL East winners

When 16-year old Ronald Acuna Jr. inked a $100,000 signing bonus with the Braves in 2014, few in Atlanta had ever heard of him. Fewer still imagined he would become what amounts to a franchise player, but a decade later, that's what Acuna has become.

It was a beyond special season for the 26-year-old in 2023. Apart from leading the league in on-base percentage, OPS, OPS+ and total bases, Acuna became the first player in MLB history to hit 40 home runs and steal 70 bases, doing so with 41 and 73 respectively. The Venezuelan was unanimously voted the NL MVP.

On Feb. 16, Ronald Acuna Jr. reported to training camp in North Port, Florida. After taking batting practice, the superstar responded to AJC's Justin Toscano about his long-term plans in Atlanta.

"Ronald Acuña Jr.: "It's not a secret that I want to be a Brave for life. That's my hope. I hope I can stay here forever. Hopefully we can make that happen soon." (@ from @JustinCToscano!)" - Sarah K. Spencer

With his team set to get their pre-season underway on Feb. 24 against the Tampa Bay Rays, Acuna provided a refreshingly clear answer. According to the six-foot outfielder

"It's not a secret that I want to be a Brave for life."

For Acuna, the road to glory was not an easy one. In the summer of 2021, the Atlanta Braves star tore his ACL during a game. Although many believed that his career hung in the balance, Acuna pursued an agressive rehab regimen and was back in the lineup the next April.

The 2023 season was historic not just for Acuna but also for his team. Apart from setting the MLB record for the highest slugging percentage by a team in the regular season, the Braves also tied the 2019 Minnesota Twins for the most home runs hit in a season.

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Ronald Acuna Jr. is already a presumptive Hall of Famer

Despite his young age, Ronald Acuna Jr. has already made history. With his eight-year, $100 million contract with the Braves set to expire at the end of 2026, his team has all the information they need to start drawing up a big-time extension.

Keeping in mind all that Ronnie has already done for the organization, there's no telling the mastery he has yet to show fans in future years.