For the second time in four years, Braves superstar Ronald Acuna Jr. tore an ACL in his knee during the 2024 campaign. It was his left knee this time around, after a stolen base attempt gone wrong. Now, Acuna Jr. is back in Braves camp looking for a strong comeback and he says he’s close to 100%.

Ronald Acuna Jr. said during Braves camp on February 11 that he feels great. “When they tell me I need to be there that day, I’ll be there,” also stating that his knee is at 90-95% health at this point.

The Braves said earlier in the offseason that Acuna Jr. won’t be ready for the start of 2025, expecting him to begin on the IL. At least for now, Atlanta has options to replace him in right field.

Namely, Bryan De La Cruz, signed to a split deal in the winter. De La Cruz had a penchant for making hard contact with Miami. But, De La Cruz hit just .200/.220/.294 (.514 OPS) over 44 game with Pittsburgh after the Pirates acquired him midseason.

While Acuna Jr. states he feels good, the real question will be how effective the former NL MVP will be in 2025.

Acuna Jr. had a similar injury in 2021 and came back to play 119 games the following year. That 2022 season was his worst over a full year, with 15 home runs and a career-low .764 OPS.

However, Acuna Jr. went off in 2023, with 41 home runs and 73 stolen bases. Both were career-bests.

The good news, for both Acuna and the Braves, is that he believes he’s more stable compared to his last significant knee injury.

When the Braves star returns, he’ll likely join Michael Harris II in center field, and newcomer Jurickson Profar in left. Profar signed with Atlanta after an All-Star campaign with San Diego last year.