The Atlanta Braves are expected to be contenders in 2025 and a big reason is the returns of Spencer Strider and Ronald Acuña Jr. The superstar duo has been on the shelf as Strider underwent Tommy John surgery and Acuña continues to recover from a torn ACL last May and their return is a big reason why many in Atlanta are optimistic ahead of the upcoming season.
But the question isn’t if either player will return. It’s when. While Strider has been progressing and could join the Braves next month, Acuña’s timetable has been uncertain as he’s vowed to take it slow.
That was the case until Thursday afternoon when the Braves dropped some big news about Acuña’s recovery and when fans can expect to see him back on the diamond.
Braves Hoping Ronald Acuña Jr. Could Return in May
According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, the Braves are optimistic that Strider and Acuña will return in the early part of the 2025 season. While Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos wouldn’t put a definitive timetable on Acuña, the former National League Most Valuable Player has started to take part in most baseball activities but is not yet cleared to participate in games.
"The fact that they’re very active participants basically throughout the spring is a good sign," Anthropology said. "Without having a date right now, we’re definitely on the shorter end, Strider more so than Ronald."
Strider’s return feels more imminent as he threw batting practice last week and is hoping to return to the rotation in late-April according to a source familiar with the team. While the Braves ace feels great at this point of Spring Training, Acuña is a more complicated rehab as he recovers from his second ACL tear – one in each knee – since 2021.
But when healthy, Acuña will make a big impact on the Braves lineup. The 27-year-old had a legendary season, hitting .337/.416/.596 with 41 home runs, 106 RBI and 73 stolen bases on his way to the MVP award in 2023 but was off to a slow start, hitting .250/.351/.365 with four homers, 15 RBI and 16 stolen bases in 49 games before his injury last season.
With Strider also expected to rejoin the team, the Braves feel they could make two big trades at the beginning of the season. However, Anthopoulos cautioned the team won’t bring either back until they are ready.
"When they’re ready, they’ll be back with the team and they’ll do their best to contribute, Anthopoulos said. We know what these guys can do at their peak, but I don’t think we have a set expectation other than that these guys are fantastic players and we understand they’re coming off injury. We’re taking our time with both of them to make sure that they’re in position to stay healthy and perform at a high level for us. I don’t know what that means, but the bar is so high because of what they’ve both done."