"Alex Anthopoulos knows what to do" - MLB analyst weighs up options for Braves after Ronald Acuna Jr.'s season ends prematurely
Sunday came bearing bad news for the Atlanta Braves, as superstar slugger Ronald Acuna Jr.'s 2024 season ended prematurely after an injury. The reigning National League MVP tore his anterior cruciate ligament in a left knee injury sustained against Pittsburg Pirates.
Ronald Acuna will undergo knee surgery, bringing a halt to his 2024 season. The four-time All-Star suffered a similar injury in his right knee during the 2021 season, which ended prematurely.
The dynamic outfielder claimed the MVP title last year after a record-breaking season that saw him become the first player in MLB history to hit 40+ home runs and tally 70+ stolen bases. It's almost impossible for the Atlanta Braves to replace the former Rookie of the Year midway through the season.
However, MLB analyst Joe Morosi weighed up a few options for the NL East team after the devasting news of Acuna's injury. He cited the 2021 season when an influx of players saw the Braves clinch the World Series despite Acuna's season-ending injury midway through the season.
"It has a familiar ring to it for the Atlanta Braves," Morosi said. "Back in July 2021, Acuna Jr. was lost for that season.
"Within a week Joc Pederson arrived, as did Eddy Rosario, Jorge Soler, and Adam Duvall. The Braves had the fourth-best record in the National League that year after Acuna Jr. was lost for the season."
Morosi suggested a few players the Braves could line up to potentially replace the injured Ronald Acuna Jr. even though it's going to be a much tougher proposition this time.
"The wishlist probably starts with a couple of names that remain unattainable (at the moment), Boston's Jarren Duran, and St. Louis' Brendan Donovan.
Perhaps a more realistic target at this point is Tommy Pham and I'd also mention Taylor Ward of the Los Angeles Angels. It might take two players to replace him this time around. Alex Anthopoulos knows what to do and has the World Series ring to prove it."
Ronald Acuna Jr.'s injury a big dent in the Braves' aspirations of catching the Phillies
While Morosi gave his most probable choices to join the Atlanta Braves after Ronald Acuna Jr.'s injury, the senior analyst also feels that the Braves face a much tougher proposition than in 2021 due to the Philadelphia Phillies' incredible start to the season.
"They are facing a divisional rival in the Phillies who are better than any team had in their division back in 2021," Morosi added.
The Phillies hold the best record in the major leagues and are comfortably placed atop the NL East despite the Braves' recent upturn in form. Ronald Acuna Jr.'s absence could prove pivotal in the 2021 World Series-winning team's postseason aspirations.