Atlanta Braves top prospect Ronald Acuna recently rejected a $30 million contract extension offer from the team, a source told ESPN Deportes.
The deal would have been in the range of five to six years, the source told ESPN Deportes.
MLB.com reported Tuesday that the Braves and Acuna have had informal discussions about a long-term deal but that a formal offer has not yet been made. According to MLB.com, Acuna's family has expressed interest in the financial security tied to a long-term deal.
Acuna, who is widely considered baseball's top overall prospect, will start this season in the minor leagues, allowing the Braves to gain an extra year of contractual control over the outfield phenom. It is unclear if Acuna turned down the extension offer before or after Atlanta reassigned him to minor league camp March 19.
The Philadelphia Phillies made a similar move with top prospect Scott Kingery on Sunday, signing the infielder to a six-year contract reportedly worth $24 million. The deal runs through 2023 and includes three team options, meaning the Phillies could have Kingery under contractual control until after the 2026 season, when he will be 32.
Kingery's contract gives him the most guaranteed money ever for an amateur drafted player who has never played in the major leagues. Acuna also has not played in the majors, although he was Atlanta's best player this year in spring training and is coming off an outstanding 2017 season in the minors.
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Braves #1 Prospect Turns Down $30 Million
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