Ronald Acuna Jr. '45%' ready as Braves superstar ex-MVP looks to make stunning comeback in 2025

Going into the 2024 season, Atlanta Braves fans were been excited to see what superstar Ronald Acuna Jr. would accomplish next. In 159 games played in the 2023 season, the 26-year-old batted .337, with 41 home runs, 106 RBI, and also stole 73 bases, leading to an NL MVP and Silver Slugger award for the season.

After a slow opening month, he tore his left ACL right as he was beginning to warm up. Upon further examination, Braves fans' worst fears were confirmed, and his 2024 season was over.

Despite missing arguably their most important player, the Braves went on to clinch a postseason spot, ultimately being eliminated by the San Diego Padres in the Wild Card round.

Since the setback, Acuna has been hard at work to ensure he is in top physical condition heading into his return in the 2025 season. On Monday, the Braves star posted a video to his Instagram story as he put in the work in the gym.

"45%⌛🔥🦍🧘👽" he captioned the video, perhaps hinting at his recovery progress so far.

Screenshot of Ronald Acuna Jr.'s Instagram story (Image via - IG/@ronaldacunajr13 IG Stories)

The exercise Acuna is performing in the video is a Bulgarian split squat. It allows him to individually focus and target his left leg, which he injured, and increase weight as he progresses.

Ronald Acuna Jr. talks about his return in 2025, doubts if he can continue to steal bases as he did pre-injury

On September 26, Ronald Acuna Jr. talked about his scheduled return in 2025. Pre-injury, he was a player that could and tried to do everything on his own to help his team as best he can, often putting his body at risk in the process. In the upcoming season, we may see a much more calculated and patient version of him.

Speaking to the press about his mindset with his long-awaited return inching closer, he said:

"Going into next season I'm just going to try and be a little more patient. After having undergone surgeries that have obviously taken a big toll, I'm just going to be patient," Acuna said via a translator. [0:35]

"I'm really going to try and focus on my hitting and my fielding, and anything I can to help the team win. In regards to running and stealing bases, I don't know if I'll be able to steal the 40 or 50 bags as easily," he added. [0:50]

A player renowned for his pace, it is unfortunate for him to have to potentially alter his play style due to injuries.

Though his potential for stolen bases may go down in the upcoming season, he is still a world class player off his hitting alone, and Braves fans will be looking forward with excitement as one of their most important players makes his return in 2025.