As the Atlanta Braves kick off spring training at CoolToday Park in North Port, Florida, a renewed sense of urgency and determination fills the air. After an injury-plagued 2024 season, the team is laser-focused on reclaiming dominance in the National League East. Early camp impressions suggest that several crucial players are making significant strides, fueling excitement for what lies ahead.
One of the biggest storylines this spring is the return of Ronald Acuña Jr., who is working his way back from a devastating ACL tear that cut his 2024 season short. Acuña has reported feeling nearly back to full strength, but the Braves are treading carefully with his recovery. While he won’t be appearing in Grapefruit League games, the hope remains that he’ll be ready for action early in the regular season. His impact, both on the field and in the clubhouse, is invaluable, and his relentless drive to return stronger has not gone unnoticed.
Pitcher Spencer Strider is another player under the microscope after undergoing elbow surgery last year. Strider has been ramping up his bullpen sessions, with a potential return to game action before the end of spring training. If his recovery stays on track, he could rejoin Atlanta’s rotation by late April, adding firepower to the pitching staff. His progress has already generated buzz throughout camp.
Meanwhile, the Braves’ bullpen is undergoing a shake-up following the offseason departures of A.J. Minter and Joe Jiménez. Closer Raisel Iglesias remains the anchor, but the roles leading up to him are still in flux. Dylan Lee and Pierce Johnson have emerged as leading setup options, while younger arms like Daysbel Hernández and Angel Perdomo are battling for a spot on the Opening Day roster. Their performances in camp will be pivotal in shaping Atlanta’s relief corps.
Manager Brian Snitker remains confident in the team’s depth and talent but acknowledges that staying healthy will be the key to their success. With Acuña and Strider both showing promising signs in their recoveries, the outlook for 2025 looks bright. As spring training rolls on, the Braves are focused on building momentum and team chemistry, setting the stage for another playoff push. With several weeks left in camp, Atlanta has already given fans plenty of reasons to believe in a dominant season ahead.
