Ronald Acuña Jr. Making Strides Toward 2025 Braves Return

Ronald Acuña Jr., the Atlanta Braves' electrifying outfielder, is on the comeback trail once again. As fans eagerly await his return, recent glimpses into his rehab process have surfaced. A notable update came courtesy of 92.9 The Game's Grant McAuley, who shared a photo of Acuña working through lunges in the Braves' training room.

While the image appears to have originated from Acuña's personal social media, likely an Instagram story, it has since been removed. But the important takeaway? Acuña is grinding his way back to full strength, laser-focused on making his return in the 2025 season.

This marks the second time in four years that Acuña has had to overcome the daunting recovery from an ACL tear, having now suffered this injury in both knees. The most recent tear, which sidelined him in May, forced him to miss nearly another full season—a devastating blow for both him and the Braves.

While no exact timeline has been set for his return, it's clear why the team and Acuña are taking a cautious approach. It is no small hurdle to come back from two knee surgerirs. His career hinges on how they manage his comeback.

The Braves felt the impact of his absence throughout the season. Acuña's dynamic presence at the plate and on the base paths could have provided a much-needed spark during the team's summer struggles and likely could have shifted the scales in their postseason performance. His absence left a significant hole in the lineup that the team struggled to fill as they missed that explosive element Acuña typically provides.

Acuña is acutely aware of the risks of further injury and how they could affect the longevity of his career. He seems to be taking a more thoughtful approach to his recovery and overall gameplay this time around. Acuña has hinted at potentially adjusting his style—specifically, reducing his aggressive baserunning to focus more on what he does best: hitting. With two significant injuries behind him, it's a smart move that could preserve his health without diminishing his value on the field.

Ronald Acuna, Atlanta Braves Star OutfielderPhoto byMLB.com

And let's be real, even without the stolen bases, Acuña is a game-changer. The numbers speak for themselves. Over his career, he's racked up a .289 batting average and a stellar .904 OPS. Just last season, he was named the National League MVP in unanimous fashion. His 2023 campaign was nothing short of remarkable, with a .337 batting average, 41 home runs, 106 RBIs, and a jaw-dropping 71 stolen bases. Sure, if he scales back his baserunning, the stolen base count might drop—but take those away, and you still have one of the most potent bats in the game.

Acuña has already carved out an impressive legacy as a four-time All-Star and the 2018 NL Rookie of the Year. But with the wear and tear of injuries, he knows that his approach has to evolve. As he gears up for the 2025 season, the Braves and their fans can be confident that whether it's with his legs or his bat, he will continue to be a force to be reckoned with.