Anticipation for the 2026 MLB season is building, especially now that the calendar has reached January. For Atlanta Braves fans, no player comes with more anticipation than Ronald Acuña Jr. The superstar right fielder is Atlanta’s best player when he is on the field, and last season Acuña proved he is still among the National League’s most feared hitters when he is in the box.
Acuña has been busy this winter reminding fans why he is an MVP-level player when his health cooperates with his passion for the game of baseball. As Acuña Jr. continues to torment Venezuelan League pitchers both in the box and on the basepaths, one Braves insider has come up with a bold prediction for Acuña Jr.’s 2026 season.
𝟒𝟎-𝟕𝟎 𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐎𝐍 🔥@ronaldacunajr24 did it.
— Braves On FanDuel Sports Network (@FanDuelSNBraves) September 28, 2023
We'll be ceaselessly reciting this moment for the rest of baseball history. pic.twitter.com/qDqpXPHItB
Braves insider predicts Ronald Acuña Jr. will make his return the 40/40 club
In an article listing one bold prediction for every MLB team, Braves beat writer Mark Bowman went for a repeat in history. Bowman’s bold prediction for 2026 is that Ronald Acuña Jr. will make a triumphant return to the 40/40 club. No player in MLB history has recorded multiple 40/40 seasons, and the last time Acuña accomplished the feat, he also took home the NL MVP.
Last season, Acuña showcased that he can still hit tape-measure shots, but he was understandably cautious with his stolen base attempts. Ronald had just ten stolen base attempts in 2025, a number he has already eclipsed in a few weeks of VWL action. As we have learned this winter, it appears the baserunning restrictions have been lifted from Acuña, and everyone is expecting more stolen-base attempts in 2026.
After an exciting offseason of additions from Alex Anthopoulos, Braves fans are dreaming of a lineup that can return to elite status in 2026. Anthopoulos' winter moves has raised the floor for this team, but the ceiling remains dependent on their core players. Ronald Acuña Jr. is at the forefront of that, as his ceiling is higher than anyone else's on the roster. In 2023 we saw just what that ceiling can be for both Acuña and the Braves.