Ronald Acuña Jr., the name that is synonymous with excitement on the field. His electrifying speed and incredible home runs making one of the most remarkable players in the MLB. 

However, the past few years have been a test for the 28-year-old. The 2023 NL MVP has been struggling to find form since a series of injuries. Now as the 2025 season draws closer, the Atlanta Braves are looking ahead at the path with optimism to see their star player return to the field. The good news? With the opening just around the corner, the chances of Acuña’s return are growing!

Acuña’s injury struggles began in 2021 when he suffered a torn ACL while chasing down a fly ball, sidelining him for the remainder of the season. His comeback in 2022 was highly anticipated by the fans, but it was quite clear that the path to his original potential is going to be a hard one. In 2024, things took a major turn, he suffered yet another setback on the field. It was another tough blow on his journey to regain the form. Now with the season approaching, the hopes of Acuna’s return are gaining growth and attention.

The Braves President of Baseball Operations Alex Anthopoulos provided a critical update on Acuña’s recovery,” So, you know, talking to the doctors and the trainers and so on, we just don’t see if the need to have that at all. We just want to make sure when he is back, he’s gonna be elite. If that means an extra few weeks here and there, but we get an elite player hopefully in October, that would be the game plan.” The Braves are fully aware that Ronald’s health comes first. As his recovery continues, the team’s focus is getting him back to full potential even if it means him missing the opening day and a few weeks post-it.

Alex also stressed that the team is not considering using Acuña as a designated hitter, despite his brief stint at the position during the 2022 recovery.  “I don’t see any scenario where we will even need to contemplate DH,” he said. Braves’ stance clearly sees Acuña as a key player on the entire field and not just on the plate.

All-in-all the Braves are willing to be patient with Acuña’s injury and not rush for an opening-day presence. The Braves do not doubt that when Acuña is finally back, he will be the game-changing player they’ve been missing. If that means waiting a little longer, why not?

2023: A season to remember for Acuña

Ronald Acuña Jr. has always played the game with a different energy and passion, but in 2023 his energy was on another level! A season no short of a historic one, a masterclass of lethal power. 

Averaging 0.337, 217 hits, staggering 41 home runs, 106 RBIs, and a record 149 runs scored over 159 games earned him his first National League MVP and his third Silver Slugger award. However, his path to this glory wasn’t simple. Experiencing a torn ACL just a couple of seasons back that had the potential of derailing his career. It wasn’t until 2023, that he unlocked his real potential. “From the day that I got to the league, I always knew I wanted to win the MVP,” Acuña said, reflecting on the dream he turned into reality. “It was always a dream of mine, and I’m living a dream come true.” 

Acuña’s 2023 statistics are jaw-dropping. He led the National League in runs (149), hits (217), stolen bases (73), on-base percentage (.416), and OPS (1.012). He finished second in slugging (.596) and batting average (.337), while his 41 home runs and 106 RBIs placed him among the league’s top power hitters. Now as the Atlanta Braves head into the 2025 season, they hope he repeats the same heroics in the next season.

Although there are doubts regarding his return on the opening day, the hope that he will be back is enough for the Braves fans. The road ahead will require a lot of patience, Acuña’s potential for dominance makes the wait worthwhile.