Ronald Acuna Jr. Makes Unexpected Change Ahead of 9th Braves Season

Even in a shortened 2025 season due to injury, Acuna still produced at an elite level. Across 95 games, he posted a .290 batting average, .417 on‑base percentage, .935 OPS, 21 home runs and 42 RBIs while earning NL Comeback Player of the Year honors. 

That is what makes the noticeable change in his spring training debut so unexpected. When Acuna stepped in against the Minnesota Twins on Sunday, his batting stance looked different. His front foot was far more open than in previous seasons, where he typically kept it closer to even with his back foot. 

The adjustment was clear from his first plate appearance, and it immediately stood out as a significant shift in his setup. Acuna went 1‑for‑3 with a base hit in the game.

The biggest question surrounding Acuna entering 2026 is how athletic he will look after being a nonfactor on the bases and defensively last year while recovering from his second ACL tear.

It is still early in spring training, and Sunday was only his first appearance, so it remains unclear whether this new stance is a permanent change or simply an early‑camp experiment.

Acuna is also entering an important year contractually. He is in the final guaranteed season of the eight‑year, $100 million extension he signed in 2019. 

The Braves hold $17 million club options for both 2027 and 2028, options that are widely expected to be exercised. 

His team‑friendly deal has long been viewed as one of the biggest advantages in Atlanta’s roster construction, and he remains central to their long‑term plans.