Evaluating a player returning from injury is always a challenge. While advancements in medical treatment have helped many athletes come back stronger, there are no guarantees, making it particularly difficult to assess Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuña Jr. this offseason.
Bleacher Report’s latest right fielder rankings, compiled by MLB writer Joel Reuter, still place Acuña among the best at his position, though not at the very top. Reuter ranked him as the fifth-best right fielder heading into 2025.
The uncertainty surrounding Acuña’s return from his torn ACL played a key role in this ranking. Reuter noted that after suffering the same injury in 2021, Acuña struggled to regain his explosiveness initially, posting a.266 batting average, 15 home runs, and 29 stolen bases in 119 games in 2022. However, he bounced back in 2023 in historic fashion, becoming the first player in MLB history to record 40 home runs and 70 stolen bases, winning the National League MVP award.
Reuter acknowledged that ranking Acuña at No. 5 could be generous, especially since he isn’t expected to return until at least May. However, he believes Acuña has earned that level of respect, given his track record and talent as he enters his age-27 season.
The ranking is a balancing act. Braves fans might argue that their 2023 MVP deserves a higher placement, while others may see a top-five ranking as overly optimistic for a player coming off a second ACL surgery.
Despite the concerns, Acuña has firmly established himself among baseball’s elite when healthy. However, he has admitted that he’ll likely be less aggressive on the base paths this season, which could impact his overall ranking. While his days of stealing bases at a record pace may be behind him, his ability to hit and play strong defense should keep him among the best right fielders in the game.
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