Phillies Move Toward Deal With Braves Superstar Ronald Acuna’s Brother

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 23: Ronald Acuña Jr. #13 of the Atlanta Braves looks on against the Milwaukee Brewers at Bowman Field on August 23, 2026 in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)

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The Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves added another chapter to their increasingly familiar rivalry during a recent series at Citizens Bank Park, with Braves superstar Ronald Acuna Jr. providing one of the weekend’s most memorable moments.

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Acuna’s relationship with Phillies fans became especially tense after he homered during Atlanta’s comeback victory on September 6.

“The boos Acuna has heard throughout this weekend grew louder as he admired a game-tying home run in the eighth inning of the Braves’ 5-4 comeback win over the Phillies on Sunday afternoon at Citizens Bank Park,” MLB.com’s Mark Bowman reported. “He took his time rounding the bases and then created his own curtain call, by stepping to the top of the dugout stairs and waving to the irritated fans.”

Though the Braves superstar enjoys tormenting Phillies fans, that apparently hasn’t stopped the organization from seeking out a contract with his younger brother, who is moving closer toward signing a contract with the Braves’ National League East rival.

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Philadelphia Phillies Closing In On Atlanta Braves Superstar’s Brother

Ronald Acuna’s little brother, Kenny Acuna, is a highly ranked infielder prospect in Venezuela and among all of the teams interested in signing him, the Phillies appear the closest to landing him.

“The Philadelphia Phillies are the favorites to sign Venezuelan SS Kenny Acuña for around $3M when a new international signing period opens on January 15, 2028,” MLB insider Francys Romero reported last month. “Kenny, younger brother of Ronald Acuna Jr., drew interest from over 20 MLB teams.”

Following that update, a report has emerged indicating that the Phillies are moving a bit closer to a formal agreement with the younger Acuna.

“Kenny Acuna will not participate in the U-15 World Cup with the Venezuela national team,” Wilber Sanchez reported in a translated social media post last week. “The top prospect in the history of the Venezuelan international market will travel to the Phillies’ complex in the Dominican Republic during those same dates, where he will meet with the general manager and the organization’s top executives.”

The visit would represent a significant step for Philadelphia as it continues pursuing one of the most coveted young players available in the international market.

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Philadelphia Phillies Near Contract For Atlanta Braves Superstar’s Brother

For the Phillies, the potential addition would be about far more than acquiring the younger brother of a National League rival. Kenny Acuna would be a highly regarded international addition to a Phillies farm system that lacks much depth.

And for Philadelphia fans, the Acuna name could soon carry a very different meaning. Ronald may remain a formidable opponent in the Braves’ lineup, but his younger brother might eventually begin his own baseball journey wearing Phillies colors.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com

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