ESPN Warns Braves Must Change Fast After Ronald Acuña Jr. News and Slumping Stars
As ESPN bluntly put it in their latest MLB Stock Watch: 'Something has to change.' Five weeks into the 2025 season, what was once a forecast of 96.5 wins and a 91.1% playoff chance for Atlanta has nose-dived. Now, ESPN's projections show just 86.7 wins and playoff odds under 44%, a stunning fall for a team that entered the season among the National League favorites.
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The biggest issue? Injuries — and the ripple effects they're causing.
Per ESPN: 'Hopes that the Braves can still reach their ceiling hinge on the longed-for returns of Spencer Strider and Ronald Acuña Jr.' Without their two most dynamic stars, the Braves are trying to keep their head above water in a top-heavy National League. They're still chasing consistency after starting the year 0-7.
It was first reported that Acuña will make one final trip to Los Angeles for additional quad strength testing before being cleared to begin his rehab stint. Braves manager Brian Snitker mentioned that the timing of the trip is still uncertain.
However, the team now confirms that Acuña won't need to return to L.A. and is expected to start rehab games later this month. Late May still appears to be a realistic target for his return to Atlanta's lineup.
Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuña Jr. (13) reacts as he leaves the field assisted by a Braves trainer after Acuña suffered an apparent injury on a steal attempt against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at PNC Park.Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
But it's not just the injured stars. Atlanta's healthy core hasn't held up its end either. ESPN calls out Matt Olson, Michael Harris II, Chris Sale and Raisel Iglesias as underperformers who must 'hit their stride.' That group, once seen as the team's stabilizing force, has failed to carry the load with Strider and Acuña sidelined.
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The Braves aren't built to tank — they still have talent. But in a league where the Dodgers have surged, mediocrity may not be enough to sneak into October. The good news? ESPN notes the Braves won't face the Dodgers again this regular season — a blessing, given how dominant L.A. has looked.
For now, the mission is survival. If Atlanta can stay afloat until reinforcements arrive, there's still a path forward. But in the words of ESPN: 'They have a lot of work to do.'
Related: AJ Smith-Shawver Flirts With History as Braves No-Hit Streak Lives On
Related: Fans Are Urging Braves to Make Big Eli White Decision When Ronald Acuña Jr. Returns
Related: Braves Verdugo Sends Message About Profar's Future
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