Let’s talk about some fantastic news coming out of Atlanta Braves country. If you’re a fan of high-energy baseball, this is the kind of update that makes your day. Ronald Acuña Jr. is back on the move!
A new video dropped on Thursday showing Acuña running, and while it’s just straight-line running for now, it’s a sight for sore eyes after that devastating ACL tear in his left knee.
Acuña Says He’s 75 Percent—And Looking Strong
And here’s the kicker: According to Hector Gomez of Z101 Digital, Acuña says he’s at about 75 percent right now. If Acuña at 75 percent is already looking this smooth, imagine what he will be like at full strength.
We’re still looking at a June return for him in the Atlanta Braves lineup, but this is the kind of progress you love to see. Now, let’s rewind for a second.
The guy is the 2023 National League MVP. He didn’t just have a great season, he had a historic season. He hit 41 home runs, 106 RBIs, and 73 stolen bases. That’s video game numbers. That’s “best leadoff hitter in baseball” numbers.
But 2024? That was a different story. He played just 49 games before the injury, and while he still hit .250 with four homers and 15 RBIs, it was nowhere near the level we’ve come to expect from Acuña.
A Brutal 2024 Season for the Braves
But here’s where it gets interesting. The Braves had a tough 2024 season, finishing second in the NL East and making it to the playoffs, only to get bounced by the Padres in the wild-card round.
It was not exactly what fans had hoped for, but let’s not forget that they were missing some serious firepower in the lineup.
It wasn’t just Acuña. Spencer Strider, Austin Riley, and Ozzie Albies all missed significant time. When you start stacking up those injuries, it’s no wonder the Braves couldn’t quite keep up in October.
Can the Braves Challenge the Dodgers in 2025?
Now, fast forward to 2025. If Acuña gets back to even 90 percent of what he was in 2023, and if Riley, Albies, and Strider stay healthy, this team is dangerous.
The Braves will need all hands on deck because the Dodgers look stacked again. But with Acuña back in the mix? The Braves have a legitimate shot at taking down the NL’s top dog.
Spring training kicks off next week, and that’s when we’ll get a clearer picture of how close Acuña is to full speed. But if this latest video is any indication, Braves fans should feel optimistic right about now.
