The Atlanta Braves are navigating a baffling 2025 season, a whiplash of early challenges and never-say-die grit. Despite a star-studded roster, injuries and inconsistencies have prevented them from achieving the dominance in the National League East they had hoped for. But a voice of Braves royalty, Hall of Famer Chipper Jones, recently gave his team’s fan base some glimmer of hope. Predicting a significant turnaround for the team, Jones believes a genuine ‘take off’ is on the horizon. At the end, it all comes down to the imminent return of their electrifying $100 million superstar.
This season has been a true test for the Atlanta club and its passionate fanbase. Their reigning NL MVP, Ronald Acuña Jr., endured a devastating injury after tearing his left ACL in May 2024. It was the second major knee injury of this nature he suffered, which sidelined him for an extended period. As El Abusador works his way back, the Braves struggle to maintain their standing in the NL East. They currently stand with a 24-24 record, ranking third. At this moment, all they can hope for is the return of Acuña Jr., who can breathe life into their campaign.
Buzz about a potential revival amplified significantly after recent comments from a franchise icon. In a recent interview with Sports Radio 680 The Fan, Jones expressed his utter faith in Acuña Jr.’s prowess, stating, “He’s been the catalyst to that offense ever since he got here. You know, you throw into the mix, Strider’s coming back, and everybody in the east had a chance to bury us… We’re five games out, and we’re not even to Memorial Day yet. I think they’re about ready to go on a pretty good run,” said Jones.
Chipper Jones predicts the Braves will “take off” once Ronald Acuña Jr. returns to the lineup. Everyone in the East had a chance to “bury” the Braves — and didn’t. Chipper believes they’re about to go on a run. pic.twitter.com/IoLDEbHr8G
— 680 The Fan (@680TheFan) May 21, 2025
Acuña Jr.’s track record indicates that he’s capable of igniting such a run. His 2023 MVP season was simply historic. La Bestia became the first player in major league history to hit 40 home runs and steal 70 bases. He hit 41 homers and stole 73 bases, and he scored an astronomical 149 runs. His .337 batting average and 1.012 OPS that year showcased his sheer offensive dominance. That kind of production changes any lineup overnight, which is the kind of ripple effect Jones sees for the Braves.
Jones’s belief that rivals “didn’t bury” the Braves rings true when looking at their season. Atlanta struggled out of the gate, dropping their first seven games and 13 of their first 18. But they’ve had grit, recently winning 10 of 15 games. This resilience, even with a struggling outfield producing a meager 70 wRC+, demonstrates the team’s underlying quality.
Ronald Acuña Jr. and the Braves’ dreams
The recovery of the star outfielder is progressing favorably. Acuña Jr. began a rehab assignment with the Rookie-level Florida Complex League team. He moved on to Triple-A Gwinnett, where he continued to build up his arm strength. A significant moment came when he homered in his very first rehab game on May 13. He also performed well in back-to-back situations, a significant test of his surgically-repaired knee. These are important steps along the way to getting him back to Atlanta.
As of May 20, Acuña Jr. was hitting very well in his rehab. He boasted a .444 batting average through his initial four games. Reports suggest a potential return during the Braves’ home series against the San Diego Padres from May 23 to May 25. The organization is carefully managing his comeback. They are taking a ‘slow and deliberate approach,’ learning from his 2022 return. This is to make sure he’s back and strong for the long term, and not just a quick fix.
The path ahead presents immediate tests and opportunities for the Braves. After the Padres series, they have a pivotal road trip against the division-leading Phillies. June and July will bring more tough matchups against strong contenders. If Jones’s prediction comes true, this Braves team can indeed “take off.” Their journey from a challenging start to a potential powerful resurgence will be one to watch.
Can they channel this spark and rise back to the top?
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