The Atlanta Braves were gashed with injuries last season. Starting pitcher Spencer Strider, third baseman Austin Riley, and outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. missed time during the 2024 season because of various ailments.
Strider and Riley could be ready for Opening Day in 2025, but Acuña may not return until later in the season. He tore his ACL during the 2024 season and also tore it during the 2021 season. The first time, Atlanta won the World Series title, but they lost to the San Diego Padres in the Wild Card Round in 2024, proving they have more to keep in mind for 2025.
Braves’ Ronald Acuña Jr. Will Be More Careful on Base Paths Moving Forward
One of the things that makes the Braves’ superstar outfielder so dangerous is his ability to steal bases. Well, things might change for him soon regarding this skill set. ESPN’s Alden González reported that Acuña made a decision that could limit his production in the future on the basepaths.
“He wants to be a more careful base runner. I don’t think you’re going to see the 70-steal season from him ever again,” González said during an appearance on “Baseball Tonight” podcast.
“One thing he told me is he’d rather steal 30 bases and be in the lineup than try to steal 70 and then something props up later and he has to miss significant time. … He’s definitely cognizant of it. And how could he not? I mean, this is a pretty traumatic thing.”
During the 2024 season with Atlanta, he played 49 games before the ACL tear. Acuña had a .250 batting average with four home runs and 15 RBIs along with 16 stolen bases and three caught-stealing attempts. His on-base percentage was .351.
During the 2023 season with the Braves, Acuña had a career-high 73 stolen bases (MLB best). The chances of him doing that again in his MLB career are very slim. Acuña still will want to be a factor on the base paths, but he will be smarter about stealing bases rather than risking it every time he gets on base. Anytime he steals a base, there is a chance of injury.
The 27-year-old All-Star will look to make an impact when he returns later this season. Jarred Kelenic will be starting in right field in Acuña’s place for the Braves to start the 2025 season. The other projected starting outfielders for Atlanta will be Jurickson Profar in left field and Michael Harris II in center field. The Braves hope they can stay healthy again for the 2025 season and injuries do not derail them.