The Atlanta Braves aren’t used to this. Not in the last seven years. A 14–18 start. One game above the basement in the NL East. The air feels heavier around Truist Park these days. And the optimism Braves fans once wore like a badge of honor?
It’s starting to feel more like borrowed time. The dynasty vibes have dulled, and to make matters worse, the team’s brightest star is still stuck in neutral.
Braves Continue Waiting on Ronald Acuña Jr.
Ronald Acuña Jr. was supposed to be the battery pack. The return everyone circled on their mental calendar as the moment Atlanta would kick back into gear. But that timeline has taken a hit.
MLB.com’s Mark Bowman poured cold water on the hope, reporting that Acuña is still weeks away from beginning a rehab assignment. Weeks—as in maybe late May, maybe early June before we see #13 back in a Braves uniform.
That’s not what Braves fans wanted to hear, and certainly not what the front office wanted, either. Steven Teal of HouseThatHankBuilt echoed what everyone’s been thinking: this is no longer just a slow start—it’s a potential derailment in progress.
A Stopgap With Star Potential?
So now what? Do the Braves sit tight and hope the bullpen doesn’t implode before Ronald returns? Or should we do something bold like trade for Luis Robert?
Bob Nightengale dropped the nugget that the White Sox slugger—currently heating up with a .346 average, three bombs, eight RBIs, and six steals last week—is on the market and could be moved by Memorial Day.
If that’s true, the Braves need to be at the front of the line. Robert isn’t just a band-aid. He’s a power-speed combo who, when healthy, plays a premium position and plays it well.
Yes, there’s risk. Robert’s history of inconsistent production and the occasional injury scare make him a volatile trade chip. But with two club options beyond 2025, the Braves would have control, flexibility, and potentially an outfield tandem of Robert and Acuña by summer. That’s not just plugging a hole—that’s upgrading the engine.
Time to Make a Call
If this seven-year playoff streak means anything—and let’s not kid ourselves, it does—then Alex Anthopoulos and company might need to start dialing.
Waiting for Acuña could cost them the season. A preemptive move, even a risky one, might be their only shot at righting the ship before it takes on too much water.
The Braves need answers and fast. Ronald’s still on the way. But Luis Robert? He might just be available right now.
