3 Braves players who must outperform 2022 to get back to World Series

Ronald Acuña Jr. needs to give the Braves an MVP-level season in 2023

Let’s not get this twisted — Ronald Acuña Jr. was great for the Braves last season after he joined the lineup once he returned from his ACL injury suffered in 2021. He finished the 2022 season slashing .266/.351/.413 with 15 home runs, 24 doubles, 50 RBI and 29 stolen bases in 119 games played.

At the same time, though, it was hard to not be a little disappointed with that performance, which Acuña would probably admit himself. He clearly struggled to find his groove and his frustration showed at several times throughout the year. And the numbers backed up why as he posted a 114 OPS+, the worst mark of his career and one of only two times in five seasons he’s had an OPS+ below 140.

When healthy and comfortable, it’s not a stretch to include Acuña among the best in baseball. His ability to hit for average with elite power and also be a menace on the basepaths makes him an elite player that could and should win an MVP at some point in his career. Frankly, though, that’s exactly the type of year the Braves need to see from him.

Now that Swanson is in Chicago, the Braves need someone to step into that on-field leadership role and also lead by example. Even if he just turned 25 years old, Acuña is the guy to do that. He’s supremely gifted in every facet of the game and, with a normal offseason to prepare, the expectation should be for him to be back to MVP-caliber form in the 2023 season. If that happens in this young lineup, Atlanta is going to be making a World Series push once again.