Braves rumored to have pre-agreement with Ronald Acuña Jr.’s cousin: Smart investment or risky gamble?

The international free agent (IFA) market in Major League Baseball has always been one of the most unpredictable and high-stakes arenas in the sport. For teams willing to scout aggressively and invest early, the payoff can be franchise-altering. But for organizations that miscalculate or overextend, the consequences can linger for years.

That delicate balance is now back in focus for the Atlanta Braves following reports of a significant informal pre-agreement with a future international prospect — Carlos Blanco, the cousin of superstar Ronald Acuña Jr.

While the reported deal remains unofficial and years away from completion, it has already sparked debate among Braves fans and analysts about whether Atlanta is making a bold long-term investment or stepping into risky territory once again.

Braves reportedly reach informal agreement with Carlos Blanco

According to reports circulating within international scouting circles, the Atlanta Braves have reached a handshake-style pre-agreement with Carlos Blanco, a highly regarded shortstop prospect in the 2030 international free agent class.

The reported bonus: approximately $1.5 million.

Blanco, still only 12 years old, is already generating significant buzz among evaluators. Scouts describe him as one of the most advanced defensive shortstops in his age group, showcasing:

• A strong throwing arm

• Soft, reliable hands

• Advanced instincts and baseball IQ

• Polished defensive fundamentals

He is widely considered one of the top defensive prospects in the 2030 class — a remarkable distinction for someone years away from eligibility.

The family connection adds another intriguing element. Blanco is the cousin of Ronald Acuña Jr., one of the Braves’ franchise cornerstones and a former MVP. That relationship naturally makes Atlanta an attractive destination and strengthens the organization’s incentive to secure his future rights early.

However, the timing and nature of the reported agreement also raise important questions.

Understanding MLB’s international free agent rules

MLB regulations state that teams cannot officially sign international amateur players until they are at least 16 years old.
Because of this restriction, clubs often establish informal verbal agreements with top prospects years in advance.

These agreements are not binding and carry inherent uncertainty. Players can develop unexpectedly, suffer injuries, or see their market value change dramatically over time. As a result, handshake deals in the international market are both common and risky.

The system itself has long been criticized for its opacity. Many top prospects are effectively “spoken for” well before they are eligible to sign, limiting true open competition once the official signing window arrives.

For organizations like Atlanta, which have historically been aggressive in the international market, this environment creates both opportunity and potential pitfalls.

The shadow of past international signing controversies

Any time the Braves make a bold move in the international market, it inevitably brings back memories of the franchise’s previous signing scandal involving former general manager John Coppolella.

In 2017, MLB launched an investigation into Atlanta’s international signing practices and uncovered multiple rule violations. The league determined that the organization had circumvented bonus pool limits and engaged in improper agreements with prospects and agents.

The penalties were severe:

• Several top international prospects were declared free agents

• The Braves were heavily restricted in future international signings

• Signing bonus pools were reduced

• Coppolella was banned from baseball for life

MLB also forced Atlanta to forfeit draft picks and void numerous player contracts, costing the organization years of development and millions in investment.

While the current front office operates under a different leadership structure, that history remains a cautionary tale whenever Atlanta makes aggressive moves in the international space.

Why the Braves are targeting Blanco

Despite the risks, targeting Carlos Blanco fits a familiar Braves strategy: investing heavily in high-upside position players through the international pipeline.

Atlanta has built much of its recent success on international scouting. Players such as Ronald Acuña Jr., Ozzie Albies, and others were signed as young international prospects and developed into core contributors at relatively low cost.

From a baseball perspective, Blanco checks several appealing boxes:

1. Premium defensive position

Elite defensive shortstops are among the most valuable assets in baseball. If Blanco develops as projected, he could become a cornerstone talent.

2. Strong baseball lineage

Familial ties to Acuña Jr. suggest a deep baseball background and potential comfort within the Braves organization.

3. Early evaluation advantage

Locking in a top prospect early can prevent bidding wars and secure talent below future market value — if development goes as planned.

For an organization that relies heavily on homegrown talent, investing in elite international prospects remains a key pillar of long-term strategy.

The risks of betting on ultra-young talent

However, committing significant resources to a player who is still years away from eligibility carries obvious risks.

Development uncertainty

Prospects signed internationally at 16 already carry high bust rates. Evaluating players at 12 or 13 introduces even greater unpredictability. Physical growth, skill development, and mental progression can all vary dramatically.

Opportunity cost

Spending a large portion of a future bonus pool on one player limits flexibility. Some teams prefer spreading resources across multiple prospects to diversify risk.

Regulatory scrutiny

Given the Braves’ past violations, any aggressive international strategy will naturally face closer attention from fans and media, even if current practices remain within league rules.

The reported $1.5 million commitment may ultimately prove to be a bargain — or an overinvestment. At this stage, it is impossible to know.

Balancing ambition with discipline

The reported pursuit of Carlos Blanco highlights a broader challenge facing the Braves: balancing bold ambition with responsible long-term planning.

Atlanta has built one of baseball’s strongest cores through international scouting and development. Continuing to identify and secure elite talent is essential to maintaining that competitive edge.

At the same time, the organization must operate carefully in a market where rules are strict and risks are high. The lessons from past international signing violations still resonate, serving as a reminder that aggressive strategies must remain disciplined and transparent.

What this means for the Braves’ future

Ultimately, the reported pre-agreement with Carlos Blanco underscores both the excitement and uncertainty inherent in MLB’s international free agent market.

If Blanco develops into a top-tier prospect, the Braves could secure another cornerstone player with deep organizational ties. His connection to Acuña Jr. only adds to the intrigue and potential long-term fit.

But if development stalls — or if circumstances change — the investment may never materialize into major league impact.

For now, the story remains speculative and years from resolution. Yet it offers a fascinating glimpse into how teams like the Braves attempt to stay ahead in baseball’s global talent race.

In the international market, the biggest rewards often come with the biggest risks. For Atlanta, the challenge will be ensuring that bold moves today do not compromise stability tomorrow — while still chasing the next superstar who could define the franchise’s future.