🚨 RONALD ACUÑA JR.: CAN THE BRAVES STAR REPEAT HIS HISTORIC 40-40 SEASON? The Atlanta Braves’ 2025 season was a rollercoaster ride, with high points and setbacks, but one undeniable factor that contributed to their struggles was the health of Ronald Acuña Jr. Last season, the Braves weren’t able to achieve the success they had hoped for, and much of that can be traced back to Acuña Jr.’s health issues. When Acuña finally returned to the lineup, the Braves saw a noticeable improvement in the back half of the season, but the question remains: can Acuña ever replicate the magic of his 2023 MVP campaign, when he hit 40 home runs and stole 70 bases?

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Acuña’s 2023 MVP Season: A Glimpse Into What’s Possible

Ronald Acuña Jr. stunned the baseball world in 2023 with a season that transcended what was thought to be possible for an all-around player. Hitting 40 home runs and stealing 70 bases, Acuña became the first player in MLB history to post such a remarkable 40-70 season, securing the National League MVP in the process. His combination of power and speed put him in a league of his own, and for many, it raised the bar for what was achievable in the modern game.

However, since then, injuries have cast a shadow over his potential to repeat that performance. Acuña’s 2025 season was a reflection of that struggle, as he missed parts of the year due to ongoing issues, particularly with his knees. While Acuña’s talent is indisputable, his health—and particularly his knee surgeries—have forced the Braves to be cautious with how they utilize their star outfielder.

The Bold Prediction: A 40-40 Season in 2026?

Despite the injuries, the outlook for Acuña Jr. in 2026 remains promising. MLB.com recently made a bold prediction for all 30 MLB teams heading into the new season, and for the Braves, it’s that Acuña will replicate another monster season akin to his 2023 campaign. Specifically, the prediction is that Acuña will achieve a 40-home run, 40-stolen base season—one of the most coveted feats in MLB history.

Mark Bowman, a contributor to MLB.com, stated: “There’s an expectation Acuña will run less frequently to protect his two surgically repaired knees. So, instead of predicting he’ll match the 40/70 season he had in 2023, we’ll lower expectations and predict he will record what would be just the seventh 40/40 season in AL/NL history. Acuña and Shohei Ohtani will both enter 2026 with a chance to become the first player to ever have a pair of 40-homer, 40-stolen base seasons.”

Is the 40-40 Feat Possible?

While Acuña’s knee issues will likely limit his stolen base attempts, the idea of him achieving a 40-40 season is still within reach. The 40-40 club is one of the most prestigious in baseball history, with only six players—Jose Canseco, Barry Bonds, Alex Rodriguez, Alfonso Soriano, Matt Kemp, and Carlos Beltran—ever achieving the feat. The expectation is that Acuña’s running ability might be more limited moving forward due to his past knee surgeries, but his raw power at the plate could easily compensate for any reduction in stolen base attempts.

Acuña’s numbers from the past two seasons provide some perspective: In 144 games over the past two years, Acuña has only stolen 25 bases, indicating that his running game has taken a hit since his 2023 breakout. However, this could be partially due to how the Braves have been managing his health. If the Braves can find a way to maximize his base-stealing opportunities while minimizing the risk to his knees, the 40-40 feat could still be in the cards.

Acuña’s 2025: A Glimpse of His Potential

Despite the injuries, Acuña’s 2025 season wasn’t without impressive numbers. In just 95 games, he hit .290, launched 21 home runs, and posted an OPS of .935—remarkable stats that illustrate his continued ability to contribute at an elite level when healthy. It’s hard to expect him to replicate the exact same level of production as his 2023 MVP season, especially if the Braves continue to focus on his long-term health, but this prediction for a 40-40 season reflects the belief that Acuña still has the talent and ability to perform at an extremely high level.

For Acuña, the challenge is not just staying healthy throughout the season, but also finding the right balance between running the bases and protecting his knees. If he can adjust his approach and the Braves manage his health effectively, there’s little doubt that he could put together another historic season.

The Braves’ Playoff Hopes Rest on Acuña’s Health

There’s no doubt that Ronald Acuña Jr. remains the key to the Braves’ success in 2026. A full, healthy season from Acuña would make the Braves serious contenders for the playoffs, as his presence in the lineup transforms the entire offense. However, as Bowman notes, the MLB season is long, and unpredictable events can derail even the most promising campaigns. If Acuña is healthy and can maintain his elite level of play, the Braves should be in the playoff hunt come September.

The Braves’ success in 2026 will hinge largely on Acuña’s health and performance. They’ve built a strong roster, but no player is more integral to their hopes than their star outfielder. A 40-40 season would not only solidify Acuña as one of the best in the game but also elevate the Braves’ chances of a deep postseason run.

The Future of Ronald Acuña Jr.

Looking beyond 2026, Acuña’s future remains bright. His potential to become one of the most accomplished players in MLB history is still there, as long as he can stay on the field. The 40-40 season prediction serves as a reminder of what Acuña is capable of when healthy and how much more he could accomplish in his career.

For the Braves, prioritizing Acuña’s health will be crucial to their success. They need him to be at full strength if they want to reclaim their position as one of the top teams in the league. Acuña’s potential to return to his 2023 form—and perhaps even exceed it—remains one of the most exciting storylines in baseball.