The 2025 MLB season has not only been a rollercoaster for Atlanta Braves fans, but for star outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr., too. After missing the majority of the early season, Acuna looked like his old self when he returned to the Braves' lineup in May, slashing .303/.420/.542 with 15 home runs, 31 RBIs, six stolen bases, and 48 walks in his first 66 games. It truly looked like he was back to being in National League MVP form.
At least, that was the case until the end of last month. Acuna has been one of the Braves' worst hitters since the last week of August, and his ongoing slump has led to his being absent from Friday's starting lineup against the Seattle Mariners, according to The Athletic's David O'Brien.
Benching the team's best player is harsh, but it's something the Braves needed to do to help him get back on track.
Braves' Benching Ronald Acuna Jr. Needed to Happen
Some players need to continue being given at-bats to help break out of a slump, but that hasn't been the case for Acuna, leaving his benching as a necessary step.
In eight games since Aug. 27, Acuna is slashing an abysmal .037/.235/.074 across 27 at-bats. His lone hit during that stretch was a double against the Philadelphia Phillies on Aug. 29, meaning the struggling 27-year-old has now gone five straight games (20 ABs) without a hit. Even worse is the fact that he hasn't even been able to draw a walk during that stretch.
Acuna's bat and speed around the bases are two of his biggest strengths, but there's no use in forcing him to play if he isn't effectively using either quality. Sending him to the bench for a game or two is the perfect opportunity for him to take a breather, loosen his bat grip, and focus so that he can end the 2025 campaign on a high note.
Besides, a brief benching also shows the other Braves players that no one is above another, and that starting players don't receive special treatment.
Acuna is under contract for the 2026 season with team options in 2027 and 2028, meaning he likely isn't going anywhere soon. That's why it's paramount for the Braves to get him back on track, even if the playoffs are a pipe dream.
Ending the year on a high note would ensure that Acuna is focused and motivated to do damage next season to help Atlanta avoid a similarly disappointing start to the season.