Braves analyst backs Alex Anthopoulos's strategies for Ronald Acuna Jr. and Spencer Strider's future

As the 2025 season inches closer, questions have been raised regarding the Atlanta Braves. Among the biggest concerns are the status of Ronald Acuña Jr. and the team’s pitching staff, now spearheaded by Spencer Strider.

In a recent episode of "Hammer Territory: An Atlanta Braves Podcast," team insiders Brad Rowland and Scott Coleman discussed Acuña’s timeline and how he will be utilized by the squad under the direction of executive Alex Anthopoulos.

It’s worth recalling that the outfield star tore his ACL during a regular-season game in May 2024 and has been sidelined since.

"If it means that you have to give him a few extra weeks at the start of the year so he can build up strength, it's something you have to do," Coleman said. "The health of Ronald Acuna Jr. and Spencer Strider is really what's going to determine how good this team would be." (19:44 onwards)

"You want to have the best version of Acuna," Rowland added. "I back the Braves on this one. I think it's a right decision to be careful with their star. Him being out for an extra three weeks is not going to spell disaster if he's more likely to be himself when he returns."

In an recent interview, Braves GM Alex Antopoulos, GM Alex Anthopoulos shared that former former National League MVP Ronald Acuna Jr. will miss the start of the season as he rehabs his knee.

The upcoming season will be an interesting one for the team as they look to claim another World Series title amid the peak powers of their division rivals. The New York Mets are spending heavily on signings, and the Philadelphia Phillies are poised to make another deep run in the postseason.

Braves executive not rushing Spencer Strider's return

Braves analyst Scott Coleman further discussed on the same podcast that team executive Alex Anthopoulos is in no rush to bring back former wins and strikeouts leader Spencer Strider. In April 2024, Strider was placed on the injured list after damaging the UCL in his throwing arm.

"Anthopoulos stated that Strider is expected to have a normal spring," Coleman said. "We won't know for sure. I think we're going to be holding our breath and hoping that the velocity stays strong and he's healthy," he added.

"We can only hope that he's able to debut early, especially in a rotation that has a few questions right now."

After Max Fried’s departure, several analysts voiced concerns about Atlanta’s pitching rotation. At the moment, the only reliable arm the squad can boast on opening day is Chris Sale. It will be interesting to see how the team navigates injury concerns with its top stars and whether they can make the postseason this year.