The Atlanta Braves took a step back as an organization in 2025, missing the MLB playoffs and finishing with a 76–86 record.
Even so, the outlook for 2026 remains promising, particularly with right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. expected to enter the year at full health. The 27-year-old continues to be one of the most impactful players in the league, though his career has been interrupted by two ACL tears, one in each knee.
Advertisement
Acuna returned this season and delivered at the plate, posting a .290 batting average, .417 on-base percentage, .935 OPS, 21 home runs and 42 RBIs across 95 games. His performance earned him NL Comeback Player of the Year honors, a testament to both his resilience and his ability to remain a difference-maker when healthy.
As Acuna enters the offseason preparing his body for his ninth season in the big leagues, he is also making moves away from MLB. Signed to a partnership with Nike, Acuna remains one of the brand’s most impactful ambassadors.
Advertisement
On Wednesday, he took to social media to announce the official release of his new signature glove. “Get your hands on my new Nike Vapor Elite Fielding Gloves! 💥💥💥💥💥💥💥,” Acuna wrote on Instagram.
Nike provided a description of the glove on its website that read, “Grounded in baseball tradition, the Vapor Elite is the result of state-of-the-art innovation and design excellence. Acuna’s signature version amps up the flash with colors inspired by his swagger and fearless energy, so you can make merciless plays in all-out style. Bright yellow represents the youthful energy that Ronald brings to the game.”
Advertisement
Fans can check out the glove for themselves. It is available in two colorways, Opti Yellow and Valor Blue.
Acuna’s career trajectory has already cemented him as one of the game’s brightest stars. Since debuting in 2018 and winning NL Rookie of the Year, he has collected an NL MVP, five All-Star selections and three Silver Slugger Awards.
He remains the only player in MLB history to record a 40-home run, 70-stolen base season, showcasing his rare combination of power and speed. Whether he can fully reclaim that mobility in 2026 is uncertain, as he stole just nine bases last year, and his range in the outfield declined.
Advertisement
Still, with his bat producing at an elite level, the Braves can feel confident having him in the lineup every day.
Related: Ronald Acuna Jr. Sends Career Message to Braves Fans
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Nov 26, 2025, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
