The Atlanta Braves faced a challenging 2025 season, hampered by injuries to key players. Over the year, stars like Reynaldo Lopez, Austin Riley, and Chris Sale, among others, were sidelined, contributing to the team’s first missed postseason in seven years. Following the disappointing campaign, long-time manager Brian Snitker is set to move on.
Amid the setbacks, there was a bright spot: outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. was honored with the National League Comeback Player of the Year Award.
According to the Associated Press, “Acuña, 27, tore his left ACL on May 26, 2024, and returned to the Braves on May 23 this year, earning his fifth All-Star selection. He finished the season hitting .290 with 21 home runs, 42 RBIs, and nine stolen bases.”
While Acuña excelled in his shortened season, suffering a second significant ACL injury has raised questions about his long-term future with the team. Prior to the injury, he had been pushing for an extension to his eight-year, $100 million contract, which would allow him to remain in Atlanta for the remainder of his career.
Under his current deal, Acuña could become a free agent as early as 2027. The Braves owe him $17 million next season, with two additional $17 million club options afterward. If both options are exercised, Acuña would have the chance to test free agency as a 31-year-old in 2029.
Last week, Acuña expressed his intention to finish his career with the Braves.
On X (formerly Twitter), he posted a photo from his Comeback Player of the Year ceremony with the caption “Braves4EVER.” When fans asked if he would commit to staying with the team, he replied simply, “I PROMISE.”
Last winter, Acuña was less definitive about committing to spend his entire career with the Braves, citing his current contract situation.
“It’s no secret that I want to be a Brave for life,” he told reporters in February 2024, according to FOX Sports. “I hope we can make that happen soon.”
Following an impressive comeback from a second career ACL injury, Acuña appears more confident about finishing his career with the Braves. Whether recent contract talks or the experience of his latest injury influenced his outlook, the change in tone is sure to excite Braves fans.