Ronald Acuna Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr., the 2023 NL MVP, tore his left ACL on May 26 and the 26-year-old slugger had surgery on June 6.

Braves star outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. and pitcher Spencer Strider are not expected to recover from injuries in time for Atlanta's season opener at San Diego on March 27.

It always seemed like a bit of a long shot for Acuna to make it back at the outset of next season as he continues to recover from left knee surgery to repair a torn ACL. The murkiness surrounding his return, and possibility of setbacks delaying it well into the year, make the 26-year-old generational talent one of the more difficult early-round calls for fantasy managers heading into 2025 drafts. There should be a more definitive timetable from the Braves at some point closer to spring training.

It always seemed like a bit of a long shot for either Acuna or Strider to make it back in time for Opening Day since the pair of generational talents are coming off major knee and elbow surgeries, respectively. Of the pair, Acuna seems more likely to make it back in the early portion of next season, barring any setbacks in his rehabilitation. Fantasy managers should anticipate the Braves proceeding with an abundance of caution with Strider's ramp-up as he makes his way back from Tommy John surgery.