3 replacements for Ronald Acuna Jr. for your fantasy team as Braves star suffers torn ACL
The MLB world was rocked this weekend by the news that Atlanta Braves superstar Ronald Acuna Jr. suffered the second torn ACL of his career. The devastating knee injury will sideline the reigning National League MVP for the remainder of the season.
"Ronald Acuña Jr. has left today’s game after a non-contact injury on the basepaths (via @BravesOnBally)" - @MLBONFOX
The loss of Ronald Acuna is not only devastating for the superstar himself but also for fantasy baseball managers who were relying on his incredible skills this season. The consensus No. 1 overall pick entering the 2024 fantasy baseball season, the loss of the Braves superstar is a brutal one for team's across every league.
Fantasy baseball managers will now need to look to either the waiver wire or trade market to attempt and replace Acuna Jr. in their lineup. Although it's impossible to replace the production that the outfielder provides managers with, they have no choice but to fill the void left by the season-ending injury.
Three replacements for Ronald Acuna Jr. in fantasy baseball leagues
#1 Jarred Kelenic
For managers looking to replace Ronald Acuna Jr., they may not need to look further than his own teammate Jarred Kelenic. The 24-year-old will likely see a massive uptick in playing time after Acuna's injury, which could make him an intriguing addition.
"Jarred Kelenic made an adjustment to his batting stance in Chicago and has looked amazing ever since." - @BeaneaterB
Kelenic has not produced at the level that many may have hoped following his offseason move from the Seattle Mariners. Nevertheless, the young Braves outfielder has been improving at the plate, and the increased role should help him continue to improve his value in fantasy baseball leagues.
#2 Kerry Carpenter
Kerry Carpenter is another young outfielder who started the season cold, but the Detroit Tigers slugger has been heating up.
Carpenter has hit a pair of home runs over his last three games, suggesting that managers will need to add him sooner rather than later. If he can continue his upward trend, he may not remain on the waiver wire much longer.
This season, Kerry Carpenter has posted a .283 batting average with 21 runs scored, eight home runs and 29 RBIs for the Detroit Tigers. While replacing Ronald Acuna is impossible, Carpenter could help fill the void for the time being.
#3 David Fry
David Fry has been excellent for the Cleveland Guardians this season, posting a .344 batting average with 22 runs scored, six home runs, 19 RBIs and three stolen bases.
These numbers are nothing to ignore, but his more valuable asset in fantasy is his positional versatility. In ESPN fantasy baseball leagues, Fry is eligible to player catcher, first base and in the outfield.
"David Fry has been RAKING for the Guardians" - @WakeJakeJM