Ronald Acuña Jr. Poised for Speed-Fueled Comeback as Braves Eye 2026 Playoff Return

The Atlanta Braves entered the 2025–26 offseason with a clear mission: reload the roster, restore their winning identity, and prove that last year’s disappointing 76–86 record was nothing more than a temporary setback. After years of sustained success, missing the playoffs served as a wake-up call for an organization accustomed to October baseball.

While the Braves’ front office has been proactive in reshaping the roster through trades and signings, the team’s ultimate success in 2026 will hinge on something more fundamental — the health and performance of its superstar core. At the center of that foundation stands one player whose impact transcends box scores and stat sheets: Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuña Jr. Remains the Heart of the Braves

Few players in modern baseball can change the trajectory of a franchise the way Acuña can. The Braves’ right fielder is not just their most recognizable star — he is their emotional leader, offensive catalyst, and matchup nightmare rolled into one.

Despite returning in 2025 after suffering his second ACL tear, Acuña once again demonstrated why he is considered one of the most talented players of his generation. At just 28 years old, he continued to produce at an elite level even while clearly not operating at full physical capacity.

In only 95 games, Acuña posted impressive numbers:

• .290 batting average

• .417 on-base percentage

• .935 OPS

• 21 home runs

• 9 stolen bases

• 42 RBIs

Those numbers earned him National League Comeback Player of the Year honors and yet another All-Star selection, reinforcing the notion that his bat alone remains among the most dangerous in baseball.

Elite Production, But Noticeable Limitations

While Acuña’s offensive production was outstanding, the eye test revealed a different story when it came to his mobility. The explosiveness that once defined his game — particularly on the basepaths — was noticeably reduced.

For most players, nine stolen bases in half a season might be considered respectable. For Acuña, it was a stark contrast to his usual standards.

After all, he is the only player in MLB history to record a 40-home run, 70-stolen base season, accomplishing the feat during his legendary 2023 MVP campaign. That season cemented his status as a once-in-a-generation talent and redefined what was possible for a modern power hitter.

The dramatic dip in stolen bases during 2025 inevitably raised questions:

• Would Acuña ever again be the same dynamic baserunner?

• Were the knee injuries permanently limiting his game?

• Should the Braves expect a more stationary version of their superstar moving forward?

A Promising Prediction for 2026

Those concerns may soon be eased.

According to MLB.com Braves insider Mark Bowman, there is growing optimism that Acuña could regain much of his speed in 2026, even if the Braves manage his running game more carefully.

Bowman recently projected that Acuña could once again join elite company on the basepaths — not by repeating his historic 40/70 season, but by achieving something nearly as rare.

“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,” Bowman wrote.

If that projection comes true, Acuña would once again redefine excellence — and place himself firmly back in the MVP conversation.

Signs of Speed Returning in the Venezuelan Winter League

Perhaps the most encouraging development has come far from MLB stadiums.

During the offseason, Acuña has been sharpening his skills in the Venezuelan Winter League, and early results suggest his confidence and explosiveness are returning. Through his first 16 appearances, he has already recorded 11 stolen bases — a remarkable total considering the cautious approach many players take during winter ball.

Those stolen bases aren’t just numbers. They represent trust in his knees, comfort with acceleration, and a willingness to be aggressive again.

For the Braves, that is an extremely positive sign.

Why Improved Speed Changes Everything

A faster, more mobile Acuña doesn’t just mean extra stolen bases — it impacts nearly every aspect of the game.

Offensive Impact

• Pitchers become more distracted

• Mistakes increase with runners on the move

• Extra bases turn singles into scoring opportunities

Defensive Improvement

Last season, Acuña’s limited mobility also affected his range in right field. While his arm remains elite, improved lateral movement would allow him to once again cover more ground, turning potential doubles into outs.

Lineup Protection

When Acuña is a legitimate threat to steal, opposing teams are forced to alter their defensive positioning and pitch selection, indirectly benefiting hitters behind him in the lineup.

Managing Risk While Maximizing Value

The Braves are unlikely to let Acuña run wild the way he did in 2023. Protecting his surgically repaired knees will remain a priority, especially given his long-term contract and importance to the franchise.

However, there is a wide middle ground between caution and limitation.

Even 35–45 stolen bases, paired with 40-plus home runs and elite on-base skills, would make Acuña one of the most valuable players in baseball. It would also allow Atlanta to reap the benefits of his athleticism without unnecessary risk.

MVP Contention and the Braves’ Playoff Push

If Acuña truly returns as a power-speed force in 2026, the ripple effects across the National League will be enormous.

The Braves’ offense would instantly regain its identity.
Their run production would increase.
Their margin for error would shrink.

Most importantly, Acuña would once again be one of the top MVP candidates in baseball, competing with stars like Shohei Ohtani for league supremacy.

For a team determined to prove that 2025 was an aberration, there could be no more powerful statement than a fully unleashed Ronald Acuña Jr.

Final Thoughts: A Superstar Ready to Reclaim His Throne

Ronald Acuña Jr. has already overcome challenges that would have derailed many careers. Two ACL tears, long rehab processes, and immense pressure have not diminished his talent — only delayed its full expression.

The early signs heading into 2026 are encouraging. His bat never left. His confidence appears to be returning. And now, his speed may be following close behind.

If Acuña can blend MVP-level offense with renewed baserunning aggression and improved defense, the Braves won’t just return to contention — they’ll reestablish themselves as one of baseball’s most dangerous teams.

And in that scenario, Ronald Acuña Jr. won’t just be back.

He’ll be dominant again.