The Atlanta Braves are opening camp in North Port and the lingering health concerns of Ronald Acuña continue to loom over the franchise. When will he be ready to play? Will he be his normal self in 2025? The Morning Shift discussed those topics, but added one more -- should he consider changing up his style of play?
Acuña is, undeniably, one of the most exciting players in baseball.
In his MVP campaign in 2023, he became the first ever 70-40 player in the history of baseball. No one can deny how exciting he is, but after his second knee injury in the last four years, is it time to consider switching up the way he plays or would that be a disservice to what he brings to the table?
Barry Bonds and Ken Griffey Jr are two players who The Morning Shift is reminded of when having these discussions. These players, whether by their decision or via injury, shifted their game away from what we see Acuña do now to what they were in the second half of their careers.
"I don't want him changing," Beau said about the idea of any sort of shift. "[It's like] when I heard last year that he should sit an extra year. No, I'm not wasting a year under a very team-friendly deal..."
Maybe it's just as simple as stealing a few fewer bases in the coming years, but the passion and love that Acuña plays the game with will hopefully never diminish. His aggression and elite athleticism make him the valuable player he is for the Braves.
Will he adjust? Maybe one day, but hopefully it's not any time soon.