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Ronald Acuña Jr.’s MVP-Level Return Revives Braves as Front Office Eyes New Deal

His .396 average with nine homers since returning on May 23 has given the Braves their season’s biggest boost

ATLANTA, GA - JUNE 18: Ronald Acuña Jr. #13 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates hitting a home run during the first inning against the New York Mets at Truist Park on June 18, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Matthew Grimes Jr./Atlanta Braves/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 07: Ronald Acuña Jr. #13 of the Atlanta Braves looks on from the on-deck circle against the San Francisco Giants in the top of the third inning of a major league baseball game at Oracle Park on June 07, 2025 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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Overview

  • Since returning May 23 from a torn ACL, Acuña has slashed .396/.500/.713 and hit nine home runs in 101 at-bats, matching his 2023 MVP form.
  • The Braves placed ace Chris Sale on the injured list June 23 with a fractured rib, further thinning their rotation.
  • Atlanta sits at 36-41 and 11 games behind the NL East leader, with a 10.6% chance to reach the postseason according to Baseball Reference.
  • General manager Alex Anthopoulos and the front office are discussing a potential $300 million, 12-year extension to lock up Acuña for the long term.
  • A recent 9-4 stretch contrasts with the team’s overall struggles and highlights the importance of sustaining Acuña’s hot streak.