The Atlanta Braves have been on a remarkable journey since 2018, boasting a record of 604-433 and making the postseason every year. Their crowning achievement came in 2021 when they captured the World Series title, outplaying the Houston Astros in a thrilling six-game series.
However, the loss of franchise cornerstone Freddie Freeman to the Los Angeles Dodgers in free agency brought about a moment of uncertainty for the Braves. Many expected this to signal a downturn for one of baseball’s most electrifying teams, but they proved critics wrong, continuing to compete at a high level and re-establishing themselves as perennial contenders. Central to their resurgence has been young superstar Ronald Acuña Jr., whose electrifying play has captivated fans and revitalized the lineup.
In 2023, Acuña Jr. took home the NL MVP award and played a pivotal role in leading the Braves back to the NLDS. Hopes were high for 2024, but disaster struck when he suffered a second ACL tear, sidelining him for a significant portion of the season. His absence has left a glaring void not just in Atlanta’s lineup but also in the hearts of the fanbase.
Despite these setbacks, the Braves managed to clinch a playoff berth in 2024, reaching the National League Wild Card weekend. However, they faced an early exit, losing both games to the San Diego Padres, a disappointing conclusion to a season filled with promise. As fans looked ahead to 2025, expectations soared with the anticipated return of Acuña Jr. Yet, the season couldn’t have started worse for Atlanta, dropping their first six games and still without their star player, casting a shadow over their aspirations of a dynasty.
As for Acuña Jr., Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker provided an update on his recovery, expressing optimism about the outfielder resuming normal drills in April. However, real expectations suggest that he might not return until late April, if not May, pending his progress. In the meantime, the Braves have struggled offensively, currently holding the dubious title of the weakest offense in Major League Baseball.
To illustrate the slow start: through their first six games, they managed only 9 runs, 25 hits, and a paltry .147 batting average. This is a drastic fall for a team that has been among the league’s best for almost a decade. In 2023, with Acuña Jr. leading the charge, they were the top offense in baseball; last year, without him, they still ranked 15th. His return is critical if the Braves are to salvage their season — if this trend continues, they may find themselves in a deep hole.
Adding to their struggles, the Braves were dealt another blow when Jurickson Profar, a key offseason acquisition, received an 80-game suspension due to a positive test for performance-enhancing drugs. Once a top prospect, Profar’s career had finally started to flourish in 2024, as evidenced by his .280 average and 25 home runs over 158 games. The hopes of him stepping up in Acuña’s absence will remain on hold until at least July, further complicating the Braves’ offensive woes.
As for the competitive landscape, the Braves are feeling the pressure from an influx of spending around Major League Baseball. Teams like the Dodgers and Mets dominate with massive payrolls, while others such as the Phillies, Padres, and Giants are joining the fray under new leadership. In an increasingly cutthroat National League, not keeping pace financially could jeopardize any hopes of a World Series run.
With the current state of affairs — an 0-6 start, the uncertainty surrounding Acuña’s return, and the lack of offensive firepower — the Braves’ aspirations of a dynasty feel more distant than ever. The path forward relies on the entire roster stepping up, mirroring the collective effort witnessed last season when they faced adversity head-on. Nevertheless, the challenge is daunting, and if quick changes aren’t made, the Braves could find themselves battling an uphill struggle in the days ahead.
