Ronald Acuña Jr. is not just back for the Braves. He’s reminding the entire baseball world why he was unanimously crowned the 2023 National League MVP.
One month into his return from a second ACL tear, the Atlanta Braves superstar is putting together a torrid stretch of baseball that has not only reignited the Braves’ offense but also sparked fresh MVP chatter in a year where most expected him to simply ease back into form.
On Monday night, Acuña launched another no-doubt homer—this one off Mets right-hander Paul Blackburn—capping a statement performance in a high-stakes divisional series. Shortly after, MLB’s official account put the league on notice, posting Acuña’s jaw-dropping one-month stat line:
- .408 batting average in 98 at-bats
- Nine home runs
- 16 RBIs
- 1.248 OPS
- Three stolen bases
“Ronald Acuña Jr. has been crushing since returning one month ago today,” MLB posted. For Braves fans, it’s more than just numbers—it’s a sign that the face of the franchise is once again playing like the best player in the sport.
The Spark Atlanta Desperately Needed
The Braves have had a bumpy ride in 2025. Sitting at 35–41 and still seven games out of a playoff spot, they’ve needed a jolt—something to snap them out of a midseason malaise. Acuña has been that jolt. Since his return, Atlanta has won seven of its last 10 games. The offense, which had been stuck in neutral for much of May, is suddenly in the league’s top half in production.
While key players have still struggled and injuries continue to shape the season (most recently, the loss of Cy Young winner Chris Sale to a rib fracture), Acuña’s resurgence has brought the swagger back. He’s not just hitting—he’s energizing. He’s drawing walks, stealing bases, taking the extra 90 feet, and turning doubles into dugout eruptions.
A Legacy Already Written—With More to Come
Acuña’s dominance is nothing new. He debuted in 2018, won NL Rookie of the Year, and quickly became one of the game’s most electrifying stars. He inked an eight-year, $100 million extension in 2019 at just 21 years old—an unheard-of deal at the time. Since then, he’s checked nearly every box on the superstar checklist:
- Four-time All-Star
- 2023 NL MVP
- Three Silver Sluggers
- The first player ever to record 40+ home runs and 70+ stolen bases in a season
But perhaps more impressively, he’s doing it again—after two ACL surgeries. The 2025 campaign was supposed to be about cautious optimism, gradual steps, and maybe flashes of the old Acuña. Instead, we’re getting all of him—aggressive, fearless, and locked in.
Can He Carry the Braves Back Into Contention?
The big question now isn’t whether Acuña can sustain this level—he’s done it before. It’s whether the rest of the Braves can match his energy. Atlanta still has major hurdles to clear, with a thin rotation and an inconsistent offense behind its star outfielder.
But with Acuña at the top of the lineup, they’re suddenly a threat again. He creates pressure on the basepaths, extends innings with walks, and punishes pitchers who miss by an inch.
There’s still time for the Braves to climb. And if Acuña keeps swinging like this, don’t be surprised if we’re once again talking about October baseball in Atlanta—and about the possibility of him adding another MVP trophy to the mantle.
