The absence of Ronald Acuña Jr. greatly impacted the Atlanta Braves’ 2024 season, but he has been hard to miss so far in spring training.
Acuña, the Braves’ star player and a top talent known for his power and speed, saw his season cut short last year after tearing his ACL on May 27. This was his second ACL tear in just four years, affecting different legs, and required surgery.
His injury, combined with other significant injuries—including a major elbow surgery for ace Spencer Strider—hurt the Braves’ chances of winning a seventh straight NL East title. Despite the team’s effort, filled with replacements and stand-ins, they managed only a wild-card spot and didn’t win any playoff games.
On Friday, just days before the Braves’ first full-squad workout, Acuña spoke for nearly 10 minutes in the clubhouse. He wore a big smile and shared details about his recovery, his mindset, and his time away from the game.
He called the Braves’ outfield “the best outfield in baseball.” His joy was evident as he laughed and joked, and he spoke all of it in English. This, according to those familiar with the team, was the longest and most engaging interview Acuña had ever given in his second language.
Acuña wasn’t the only Braves figure to speak on that cloudy Florida morning. Alex Anthopolous, the team’s president of baseball operations, also gave his first in-person interview of the year. Hidden behind dark sunglasses, the usually private executive revealed a bit more about a team that had just come off its most disappointing season since 2017.
Here’s a summary of what Acuña and Anthopolous had to say and how their comments relate to the key issues the Braves must address to challenge the Phillies for the NL East title.
When can Acuña and Strider make a return?
Acuña, who has been taking batting practice, won’t be playing in any Grapefruit League games, according to Anthopoulos. His main challenge now is fully regaining his ability to cut and plant his feet, which are key movements for an outfielder. Anthopoulos also mentioned that Acuña won’t play as a designated hitter when he returns.
The good news is that the talented Venezuelan is on track with his recovery and is feeling positive.
“The priority is that I feel great — that’s the most important thing,” Acuña said. “When they tell me I need to play that day, I’ll be there.”
Strider, who threw a bullpen session on Friday, may pitch a few times in late March, but he’s not expected to return to the major league team until late April. He hasn’t faced live hitters yet, but he’s expected to do so soon.
These two players are essential to the Braves’ 2025 season. In 2024, things didn’t go well because Acuña and Strider, two of the best in the game, were barely able to play. All-Star third baseman Austin Riley missed the final month and a half. Starting catcher Sean Murphy was out for the first two months.
Second baseman Ozzie Albies and center fielder Michael Harris II also had long injury breaks.
But the key players are Acuña and Strider. It makes sense that the team is taking their time with their returns in spring training. Keeping expectations low for their return dates is a way to avoid disappointing fans. So, while their health will remain a major focus this spring, it was a smart move for Anthopoulos to be clear and firm about their timelines.
Why weren’t the Braves more active over the winter?
The Braves’ biggest move in the offseason came just a few weeks ago when they signed outfielder Jurickson Profar. Profar had a standout season in 2024, earning a spot in the All-Star Game and securing a solid three-year contract with the Braves.
Aside from that, Anthopolous, who is usually busy making moves, didn’t do much. The team’s biggest trade was in November when they sent Jorge Soler to Anaheim to reduce payroll. Several key players also left in free agency. Max Fried, a long-time ace, signed a big contract with the Yankees.
Charlie Morton, a dependable starter, is now with the Orioles. The Braves chose not to pick up the option for veteran catcher Travis d’Arnaud, who is now with the Angels. The only remaining Braves from the 2021 World Series who made a significant impact are Austin Riley, Ozzie Albies, and Ian Anderson.
It’s hard to say that the new players brought in make up for the departures. Some Braves fans have been frustrated, wanting the team to make the most of its strong position. However, Anthopolous defended the team’s quiet winter, stating that the Braves, with the eighth-highest payroll in baseball, weren’t being overly cheap.
“I think the biggest difference is we’ve spent a lot on our own players,” he said. “I think we have the most, probably, long-term contracts of the majority of teams. You start looking around the roster, not necessarily in the rotation, but we have long-term contracts all over the place. We didn’t have that many holes.
“Now we’ve lost free agents — no doubt about it. But we have some people we’re going to give opportunities to.”
Who are the substitutes for Strider and Acuña?
The most likely outfield lineup for Opening Day has Profar in left field, Michael Harris II in center, and former top prospect Jarred Kelenic in right. Kelenic didn’t perform well in his first year with the Braves in 2024 and will likely be used as a bench player once Acuña is back.
With Strider unavailable, two of the five rotation spots are open. Chris Sale, the reigning Cy Young winner, All-Star Reynaldo Lopez, and rookie Spencer Schwellenbach are all set for the rotation.
Grant Holmes, a veteran who had a strong 2024 season, is expected to take the fourth spot. Ian Anderson, who impressed in his early years with the Braves but struggled with injuries, is likely to fill the temporary fifth spot.
This group, while solid, is a bit thin until Strider returns, but Anthopolous explained that he didn’t want to add another free-agent pitcher and crowd the situation.
