Ronald Acuña Jr. is back - and if his early arrival to Spring Training is any indication, he’s not just healthy, he’s ready to put the league on notice. On Wednesday, he was already launching baseballs well beyond the outfield fence, and by Thursday, he met with the media and declared himself “200% healthy.”
That’s not just confidence - that’s a warning shot to pitchers and catchers across MLB. And yes, he plans to run.
For Braves fans hoping Acuña might dial things back after two ACL tears in the last few years, well, history says otherwise. This is a guy who doesn’t just play the game - he attacks it. And if there’s one thing we’ve learned about him, it’s that he doesn’t do “cautious.”
Let’s rewind for a moment. After tearing his ACL in 2021, Acuña returned in 2022 and understandably struggled to find his rhythm.
But instead of easing into the offseason, he suited up in the Venezuelan Winter League and the World Baseball Classic. That competitive fire didn’t just burn - it exploded.
In 2023, he delivered a historic MVP campaign, becoming the first player in MLB history to hit 40 home runs and steal 70 bases in a single season. That wasn’t just a bounce-back year - it was a statement.
Fast forward to now, and Acuña is following a familiar script. He returned last season from his second ACL tear and looked far more comfortable.
This winter, he once again laced up for the Venezuelan Winter League, swiping 11 bases in just 16 games - a clear signal that his wheels are fully operational. And with the World Baseball Classic on deck, Acuña is gearing up to represent Venezuela once more before the Braves open their season at Truist Park against the Kansas City Royals.
The takeaway? Acuña isn’t wired to play it safe.
He’s wired to compete. Whether it's a midseason sprint or a winter league steal, if he's healthy - and by his own account, he's more than healthy - he’s going to be a threat on the basepaths.
His aggressive style might make some fans nervous, especially given his injury history, but that’s the trade-off when you have a generational talent who plays with this kind of passion.
So, expect to see Acuña in motion this spring. Expect to see him running in the Classic.
And when Opening Day arrives, don’t be surprised if he’s setting the tone early - not just with the bat, but with his legs. Because if Ronald Acuña Jr. says he’s ready to run, you better believe he means it.