"When Ronald Acuña Jr returned from his first ACL injury in 2022, it was clear almost immediately he was not the same guy who was the best player in baseball the first half of 2021. And we wouldn't see that guy again until Acuña had a full offseason, a full spring training, and a fully healthy regular season, all which happened in 2023, which led to him unanimously winning the NL MVP that season."
"So when Acuña tore his second ACL in May of 2024, it was clear he was going to return in 2025, but it wasn't clear which version of him would return in 2025. The team was also aware of this. President of Baseball Operations Alex Anthopoulos mentioned several times over the offseason how slowly and cautiously they were going to proceed with Acuña this time around,"
"Despite Acuña coming into Spring Training already feeling great according to him, they waited and waited and brought him along slowly. Not only did he not participate in any meaningful way in Spring Training, they didn't send him out on rehab assignment until May 13th when he went down to the Florida Coast League. It was the 6 rehab games he played between the FCL and the Gwinnett Stripers where Acuña showed he was at a different level than he was the first time around."
Ronald Acuña Jr tore his second ACL in May 2024, creating uncertainty about his 2025 performance. The Braves proceeded cautiously, with President of Baseball Operations Alex Anthopoulos stating he would not be ready for Opening Day 2025 and emphasizing a slow, careful rehabilitation process. The team limited Acuña's spring activity and delayed a rehab assignment until May 13 in the Florida Coast League. Acuña played six minor-league rehab games across the FCL and Gwinnett, hitting two homers, two doubles, two singles, and drawing seven walks for a 279 wRC+. The Braves called him up on May 23, and he immediately produced an impactful result upon his return.
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