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Written by: E. George
Published November 8, 2024 @ 1:10 PM ET
COBB COUNTY, Ga. – The Atlanta Braves are bracing for a potentially difficult start to the 2025 season, as two of their key players, outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. and ace Spencer Strider, are unlikely to be ready for Opening Day. This development was confirmed by Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos, who spoke with reporters during the league’s annual general manager meetings in San Antonio, Texas.
Ronald Acuña Jr., the 26-year-old star outfielder and reigning National League Most Valuable Player (MVP), has been recovering from a torn ACL sustained on May 26, 2024. The injury required surgery, and although Acuña’s recovery is progressing, his readiness for the start of the 2025 season remains uncertain.
According to Anthopoulos, “With both guys, I don’t think it’s significant time, but I think we’re confident that Opening Day is not realistic for them.” The Braves general manager stressed that while the recovery process is on track, it’s unlikely that Acuña will be ready for the team’s first game of the season.
“Once we get to spring, you get to the beginning of February, you’ll have a much better idea on timelines. We’re planning that they will not be part of the Opening Day roster, and how soon after that, we’ll know more as we get deeper into the offseason,” he added.
Acuña’s absence would be a notable blow to the Braves, given his critical role in the team’s offense. Prior to his injury, he had played in 49 games in 2024, batting .250/.351/.365 with four home runs, 15 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases (on 19 attempts).
Though his 2024 season was interrupted, Acuña’s 2023 campaign was nothing short of historic, as he posted 41 home runs and 73 stolen bases while accumulating 8.2 Wins Above Replacement (WAR). His dynamic play was instrumental in the Braves’ success and in earning him the NL MVP award.
Similarly, the Braves’ pitching staff will be without ace Spencer Strider to start 2025. Strider, also 26, made just two appearances in 2024 before undergoing elbow surgery in mid-April. The surgery, which involved the installation of an internal brace, was required to address issues with his pitching elbow.
Despite the setback, Strider’s 2023 season had been exceptional. He finished fourth in Cy Young Award voting after posting a 3.86 ERA (113 ERA+), a 4.84 strikeout-to-walk ratio, and his first career All-Star Game selection.
While Strider’s recovery process appears to be progressing, Anthopoulos echoed similar concerns about his availability, explaining, “I think we’re confident that Opening Day is not realistic for them” about both Acuña and Strider.
As if the absence of two of the Braves’ most important players wasn’t challenging enough, the team is also grappling with injury concerns surrounding a key reliever. Earlier this week, the Braves announced that Joe Jiménez, a pivotal part of their bullpen, could miss the entire 2025 season after undergoing surgery to repair damaged cartilage in his left knee.
Jiménez’s potential absence further complicates the Braves’ preparations for the upcoming season, particularly in terms of their bullpen depth.
The Braves will open the 2025 season on March 27, facing the San Diego Padres in what promises to be a challenging matchup. With Acuña, Strider, and Jiménez all on the mend, the team will need to rely on their depth and talent to navigate the early part of the season.
While Anthopoulos has expressed confidence in his players’ long-term recoveries, the season’s initial stretch may require the Braves to adjust their lineup and pitching rotation. “We’re planning that they will not be part of the Opening Day roster,” Anthopoulos confirmed.
As the Braves approach the 2025 season, their focus will likely shift to ensuring that Acuña and Strider are ready to contribute at full strength as soon as possible, even if they miss the first few games of the year. The Braves’ front office and fans alike will be hoping for smooth recoveries and the eventual return of these stars to help propel the team back into championship contention.