Atlanta Braves fans have been lucky enough to witness some historic seasons over the years. For a long time the Braves had a firm grasp on the NL Cy Young award thanks to the Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz trio. Recently, some position players have filled up the back of the baseball card with eyepopping statistics. In 2023 it was beloved superstar Ronald Acuna Jr. putting up the first 40/70 season in MLB history in route to his first career MVP award.
Meanwhile sluggers like Matt Olson, Austin Riley, and Marcell Ozuna have each had special enough seasons to garner down the ballot MVP votes of their own. With a roster filled with this much talent, which players have the best chance at putting together another special season in 2025? Our team here at House That Hank Built gave their predictions on who we all think will be the Atlanta Braves MVP in 2025.
Ronald Acuña Jr. displayed a historic blend of power and speed on his way to the NL MVP Award. pic.twitter.com/ipeqbyljDz
— MLB Stats (@MLBStats) November 16, 2023
Who will be the Braves’ MVP in 2025?
Nick: Ronald Acuna Jr. – Unless you’re expecting Acuna to miss a large portion of the season this is the only answer. Acuna is easily the team’s most talented and impactful player and it isn’t particularly close. The last time Atlanta watched a healthy Ronald Acuna he wasn’t just his team’s MVP but the league MVP with a dominant 2023 season. Yes, the injury might slow some of Acuna’s past production as he eases back into the lineup. However, the star outfielder remains the clear choice.
Fred: Austin Riley – Riley started 2024 in an awful funk, batting only .228/.295/.353/.648 in his first 183 PA with three homers. the equivalent of a 12-homer season in 706 PA. On the first of June, Riley found his groove, batting .275/.339/.531/.870 and crushing 16-homers in 286 PA, the equivalent of a 38-homer season in 681 PA before breaking his wrist. I expect a bounce-back year from Matt Olson as well, but Riley will enter the season eager to make up for last year’s bad start. )
Mitchell: Michael Harris II – I was bullish on Money Mike last year, and after his strong finish to the year last season, I remain confident that he is a sleeper for one of the best players in baseball. If he can cut down his chase rate just a tick, his power, speed, and defense could easily come together to result in a 6 WAR season.
Chase: Michael Harris II – I think what we saw in the NL Wild Card round against the Padres from money Mike is what we’re getting in 2025. The defense and baserunning gives him a borderline All-Star floor, but this year I do think the OBP begins to rise. We’ve seen MH2 grind out AB’s when he’s locked in, and lowering his chase percentage in 2025 feels very obtainable under new hitting coach Tim Hyers. Once Harris finds himself in more hitters counts that’s when I think the power can really play and produce his first 25/25 season.
Eric: Ronald Acuna Jr. – I love the optimism with Harris and Riley and Matt Olson has an argument as well if he can even approach what he did in 2023. However, I refuse to believe that Acuna Jr. won’t be an absolute force upon his return from his knee injury. It is fair to guess that he won’t be stealing 70+ bags anymore, but he is still among the most dynamic players in baseball and the Braves can beat anyone as long as he is in the lineup.
Steven: Ronald Acuna Jr. – Michael Harris II is a very close second for me but it feels like Acuna will play with a chip on his shoulder in 2025. He will want to prove that he is still one of the best players in baseball. We all know too well that a motivated RAJ is dangerous. Yes, he will steal less bases but don’t expect that to translate to other offensive areas.
