The Atlanta Braves’ 2024 World Series hopes took a massive hit when superstar Ronald Acuña Jr. suffered a torn ACL in May 2024.
Acuña played just 49 games in 2024, but he still managed 16 stolen bases before the injury. Now, in 2025, he is set to return at some point this season as the Braves aim to win the National League East and make another deep playoff run.
While Acuña’s aggressive baserunning has always been a key part of his game, the superstar admits he wants to adjust his approach moving forward.
Ronald Acuña’s Goal for 2025 and Beyond
After missing most of last season with a torn ACL, Acuña has revealed he is rethinking his baserunning approach, per Alden Gonzalez of ESPN.
“I’d rather steal 30 and play the whole season as opposed to trying to steal 70, injuring myself and missing the whole year,” Acuña said.
Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos emphasized that they want Acuña to play without restrictions when he returns.
“We’re gonna make sure when he’s back, he’s full go and that he can be himself and play the game he plays,” Anthopoulos said. “He’s very competitive, he’s a tremendous base-stealer, and we’re not gonna have any restrictions on him at all.”
Braves first baseman Matt Olson joked that Acuña will still be the “same ol’ Ronald” when he steps back onto the field.
“I don’t think he’ll ever give it up,” Olson said. “It’s the player he is. Yeah, you can choose when you run and stuff, but I bet once he gets back out there, he gets his legs under him, back into playing speed, he’s gonna be the same ol’ Ronald.”
As a teenager, Acuña was a star 400-meter sprinter. Later, he showed off those skills while rising through the Braves’ system, racking up 82 stolen bases in 265 minor league games. He followed with 196 steals from 2018 to 2024 despite missing 30% of the games in that span.
Acuña has always been a force on the basepaths, but his latest ACL tear happened while he ran the bases.
When Will Acuña Return to the Braves’ Lineup?
Right now, all signs point to Acuña making substantial progress in his recovery. While he is not playing in any Grapefruit League games, reports indicate he could be ready to return in May.
At just 27 years old, Acuña still believes he hasn’t reached his prime.
“I know the type of player I can be,” Acuña said. “I still don’t feel like I’ve gotten to, like, my prime-prime. The most important thing is health.”
If Acuña returns to his elite form, he could be the difference-maker the Braves need to make another World Series run.