Braves Announce Major Spring Training News on Ronald Acuña Jr., Ozzie Albies, Jurickson Profar

As Spring Training kicks off, the Atlanta Braves are gearing up for a new season with a focus on overcoming injuries, finalizing their batting lineup, and making crucial decisions that could define their future. Despite concerns regarding their starting rotation, the Braves are confident that their offense, led by some of the team’s most dynamic players, will remain a force to be reckoned with. Among the most notable news from Braves camp is the confirmation of where Ronald Acuña Jr. will slot into the lineup, as well as updates on Ozzie Albies and Jurickson Profar as they prepare for the World Baseball Classic (WBC).

Acuña Jr. Set to Lead Braves’ Fearsome Lineup

Ronald Acuña Jr. has been one of the most exciting players in baseball, and new manager Walt Weiss knows just how valuable his bat will be at the top of the Braves’ lineup. Speaking to reporters, Weiss emphasized his vision for Acuña as the anchor of a batting order that he hopes will overwhelm opponents: “When that lineup turns over, man, I want it to be a gauntlet. It starts with Ronald (Acuña Jr.) and it’s tough to catch your breath. That’s the plan.”

Acuña’s dynamic presence at the plate, combined with his speed and power, makes him an ideal leadoff hitter. As one of the most dangerous players in baseball, Acuña is poised to help set the tone for the Braves’ offense all season long. However, the Braves’ window to keep him may be closing sooner than they’d like. With each passing year, the likelihood of Acuña testing free agency increases, as his talent continues to warrant a record-breaking contract.

Acuña, now in his prime, could be in line for a massive payday. As pointed out by HTHB’s Chase Owens, the Braves must contend with the increasing salaries around the league, which may make it challenging to retain their star long-term. “The Braves must also account for future extensions for other core players, making payroll allocation a delicate exercise. Retaining Acuña long term is a priority, but accomplishing it will not be easy,” Owens noted. With recent contracts like Cody Bellinger’s $162 million deal, the expectation is that Acuña’s next contract could exceed $300 million, especially given the market for superstar players.

As the Braves prepare for another title run, the financial challenge of keeping Acuña could be one of the key storylines to follow in the coming years.

Acuña, Albies, and Profar Prepare for the World Baseball Classic

While Acuña and the Braves focus on their Spring Training preparation, Acuña, Ozzie Albies, and Jurickson Profar will soon shift their focus to the World Baseball Classic. As a member of the Dominican Republic team, Acuña is looking to further solidify his status as one of the top players in the game, all while preparing for another MVP-caliber season in 2026.

Mark Bowman of MLB.com reported that Friday will be the last game for Acuña, Albies, and Profar with the Braves before they join their respective WBC teams. The trio’s participation in the tournament is seen as an opportunity to sharpen their skills and return to the regular season in peak form. For Acuña, the WBC serves as an important prelude to what he hopes will be another MVP-caliber campaign, while Albies and Profar both have personal stakes to play for.

Albies Seeks Redemption and Contract Extension

Ozzie Albies, who has been a core part of the Braves’ success in recent years, enters 2026 with something to prove. After a somewhat down year in 2025, Albies is determined to bounce back and show why he is deserving of another contract from the Braves. His ability to play second base at an elite level while providing power and speed at the plate is something the Braves value highly. As a potential future extension candidate, Albies’ performance in 2026 will likely have a significant impact on his future in Atlanta.

Profar Aims to Win Back Braves Fans

Jurickson Profar, who signed a one-year deal with the Braves, is also entering the season with a point to prove. After an up-and-down stint with the San Diego Padres, Profar is hoping to turn things around in Atlanta. A consistent and versatile hitter, Profar can provide depth across the outfield and infield, but he knows that to win back Braves fans, he must prove that he can be a valuable contributor to the team’s playoff aspirations. A strong Spring Training performance and a successful WBC stint could help Profar make his case for a long-term role with the Braves.

Braves Hope for a Healthy and Strong 2026 Season

As the Braves move forward into 2026, health will be a critical factor for the team. If their key players, including Acuña, Albies, and Profar, can stay healthy, the Braves’ offense has the potential to be one of the most potent in baseball. Manager Walt Weiss has made it clear that he is committed to building a lineup that can consistently create pressure on opposing pitchers, and Acuña’s role at the top is central to that vision.

The Braves’ pitching rotation, though dealing with some injury concerns, is expected to be strong, with Max Fried, Spencer Strider, and other arms leading the way. However, it’s the offense that will likely define their 2026 season. With Acuña and other key hitters ready to bounce back, the Braves are aiming to remain one of the top teams in the National League and continue their pursuit of a World Series title.

The Road Ahead for the Braves in 2026

The Braves are entering a crucial year in terms of their roster construction and potential extensions for their core players. With Acuña’s future in Atlanta uncertain and Albies looking for a new contract, the Braves’ front office will have important decisions to make over the coming months. However, the immediate focus is on the 2026 season and ensuring that the team is ready to compete for a World Series title.

As Acuña, Albies, and Profar head to the World Baseball Classic, all three players will look to refine their games and build momentum for a strong 2026 season. If the Braves can stay healthy and continue their consistent play, they could be one of the teams to beat in the NL this year, with Acuña at the forefront of their efforts.