Major League Baseball anticipates that Ronald Acuña Jr., the standout player for the Atlanta Braves, will emerge as the leader in Wins Above Replacement (WAR) statistics for the 2024 season, with projections from Fangraphs suggesting he could reach an impressive 7.4 WAR. WAR stands as a pivotal metric, gauging a player’s value in comparison to an average player, offering valuable insights into their contributions over a season.

Following Acuña Jr., notable players projected to excel in WAR include Aaron Judge (6.7) of the New York Yankees, recently joined by Juan Soto (6.3), Mookie Betts (5.9) of the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Fernando Tatis Jr. (5.7) representing the San Diego Padres.

Building upon his remarkable achievements in 2023, Acuña Jr. sets his sights on surpassing personal milestones and contending for another MVP accolade, while also striving to aid the Braves in their pursuit of returning to the World Series.

Although Braves manager Brian Snitker remains uncertain about the precise timeline for Acuña Jr.’s return to Spring Training games, there is optimism regarding the improvement in the previously sore right knee of the reigning National League MVP over the past week, owing to regular activity.

As Opening Day draws nearer, the Braves exercise caution in reintegrating Acuña Jr. into play, with no urgency to rush him back, given his absence since experiencing discomfort in his right knee following a game against the Twins on February 29. Nevertheless, his active participation in live batting practice sessions indicates positive strides in his recovery.

By affording Acuña Jr. additional rest, the Braves aim to mitigate the risk of his knee issues persisting throughout the regular season, prioritizing his long-term health and effectiveness.

Once again, Acuña Jr.’s presence looms large as a linchpin for Atlanta’s success in the upcoming season. Since his debut in the Major Leagues, his multifaceted skills in batting, fielding, and base running have cemented him as an indispensable asset for the Braves, integral to their aspirations for triumph.