The Atlanta Braves are no strangers to success, or to the heartbreak of watching that success unravel at the worst possible time. After years of playoff appearances and a roster built to dominate for a decade, the 2025 season served as a stark reminder that even the most finely tuned machines can break down. And break down they did.
Braves Season Derailed by Injuries
Injuries derailed what should’ve been another deep October run for the Braves last season. Spencer Strider, Chris Sale, and Austin Riley, cornerstones of a contending team, all missed crucial time. But no loss hit harder than that of Ronald Acuña Jr., the electric outfielder who, for the second time in his young career, suffered a torn ACL. The 2021 MVP candidate returned to play in 95 games and still managed to earn an All-Star nod, but the shadow of yet another major injury loomed large.
Ha-Seong Kim’s Freak Injury Leaves Another Void
Then came what should’ve been a bright spot: the signing of Ha-Seong Kim. The former KBO standout had been claimed off waivers from the Rays, and his one-year, $20 million deal looked like a savvy move to stabilize the infield and add versatility. But fate had other plans. A freak accident on the ice in South Korea led to a torn tendon in his right middle finger, immediately sidelining Kim and, once again, forcing Atlanta into scramble mode.
Naturally, fans and analysts alike turned their gaze back to Acuña. Could he slide into the shortstop role? The idea gained momentum when Acuña was seen taking grounders earlier in the offseason. Given his speed, athleticism, and high defensive IQ, the move seemed not only plausible but intriguing. Acuña owns a career fielding percentage of .985 and has led the National League in steals twice; his instincts and agility are unquestionable.
Braves Shut Down Acuña Infield Rumors
But just as quickly as the idea caught fire, it was extinguished.
The Braves shut the door firmly. According to MLB insider Mark Bowman, there are “no plans” for Acuña to play anywhere other than the outfield. Grounders in the offseason, the team clarified, are a standard part of many outfielders’ routines, not a sign of position experimentation.
It’s a decision that, while perhaps disappointing for those dreaming of a dramatic position switch, is rooted in pragmatism. Moving Acuña to the infield, particularly a physically demanding position like shortstop, would be a gamble on his health, and one the Braves clearly aren’t willing to take. Not after watching two ACL tears threaten the career of one of baseball’s brightest stars.
With Acuña staying put in the outfield, the Braves are left to patch the infield without one of their most dynamic athletes. But in an offseason already defined by unpredictability and bad breaks, perhaps sticking with what they know is the boldest move they can make.
