Braves-Mariners Proposed 'Godfather' Trade Swaps $100 Million Superstar

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The Atlanta Braves face a decision about the future of Ronald Acuna Jr.

The MLB trade deadline is quickly approaching on July 31, 2025, with no shortage of rumors as teams prepare for the stretch run of the season. Things have not started smoothly for the Atlanta Braves, prompting speculation that the club could hit the reset button in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, the Seattle Mariners are among the top teams in the American League. The Braves’ slow start combined with Ronald Acuna Jr.’s battles with injuries has created plenty of MLB rumors that the slugger could be available for the right price.

ESPN’s David Schoenfield put together several “godfather” proposals for Acuna that could intrigue the Braves. Here is what Atlanta would be acquiring from Seattle in the proposed deal for Acuna: shortstop Colt Emerson (No. 10), pitcher Bryce Miller, catcher Harry Ford, outfielder Lazaro Montes and pitcher Brandyn Garcia.

Let’s dive into whether this MLB trade pitch works for either the Mariners or Braves.

Braves Rumors: Atlanta Has ‘Zero Interest’ in Trading Ronald Acuna Jr., Says Insider

As of now, the Acuna trade rumors appear to be merely speculation as a result of the Braves’ poor start combined with the star’s inability to consistently remain healthy. Acuna is now dealing with a new back injury that is putting his status in doubt for both the MLB All-Star Game and Home Run Derby.

Despite the trade chatter, USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported that the Braves have “zero interest” in dealing Acuna.

“Atlanta has zero interest in trading Ronald Acuña Jr,” Nightengale wrote in a July 6, 2025, story titled, “MLB’s ‘nicest player’: Cubs’ Matthew Boyd is All-Star after crushing injuries.” “Acuña is earning $17 million a year through 2026, and Atlanta has club options for $17 million in 2027 and 2028. He’s not going anywhere.”

MLB Trade Pitch Has the Mariners Going All-in by Landing Braves Star Ronald Acuna, Jr.

The deal makes obvious sense for the Mariners who attempt to go all-in for a World Series push by acquiring Acuna. Schoenfield makes the argument for why the Braves could consider this trade proposal.

“The Mariners have never played in a World Series,” Schoenfield detailed in a July 8, story titled, “Potential MLB trade proposals for Skenes, Acuña and Buxton.” “Their right-field production is among the worst in the majors. Oh, and they have a loaded farm system with nine prospects on MLB.com’s recently updated top 100, more than any other team. On that list, Emerson came in at No. 18, Montes at No. 29 and Ford at No. 56. Miller’s value is temporarily down since he’s out because of right elbow inflammation, but he had a 2.94 ERA for the Mariners in 2024 and could give the Braves a front-line starter if healthy.

“Ford might not be a perfect fit for Atlanta with Drake Baldwin (plus Sean Murphy) at catcher, but Cal Raleigh blocks Ford in Seattle. The Braves could trade Murphy in the offseason, and Ford does have the athleticism to play some outfield — although he has played exclusively behind the plate at Triple-A, where he’s hitting over .300 with an OBP over .400.”

The Mariners could be buyers at the MLB trade deadline, but don’t expect the Braves to give up on Acuna this easy. Acuna is on an eight-year, $100 million contract that is slated to run through 2028.

Jonathan Adams is a veteran sports contributor covering the NFL, NBA and golf for Heavy.com. His work has been prominently featured on NFL.com, Yahoo Sports, Pro Football Talk, CBS Sports, Bleacher Report and Sports Illustrated. More about Jonathan Adams