The Atlanta Braves are gearing up for the 2025 MLB season with optimism surrounding the return of superstar Ronald Acuña Jr., who missed significant time last year due to a torn ACL. Acuña addressed the media, showcasing his recovery and positive mindset ahead of spring training. He acknowledged that while he won't play in Grapefruit League games initially, he is focused on feeling great and being ready to contribute when the time comes.

Braves president Alex Anthopolous clarified that Acuña, along with ace pitcher Spencer Strider, will not be on the Opening Day roster. The team is currently adjusting to offseason changes, notably the departures of key players like Max Fried and Charlie Morton, amidst a growing sense of fan impatience. Anthopolous emphasized that the franchise is strategically managing player health and competitive balance.

Baseball's spring training is here, and with it come various pivotal questions for the 2025 fantasy season. Will Shohei Ohtani's recent surgeries impact his incredible performance? While his elbow issue is less concerning, a torn labrum could affect his power and speed. Ronald Acuña and Spencer Strider are also under the microscope as both return from serious injuries. Their performance could define the Braves' season and your fantasy draft choices.

Newcomers like Lawrence Butler and Wyatt Langford have fans buzzing—can they sustain their impressive stats from last season? Meanwhile, veterans like Chris Sale and Jacob deGrom raise concerns about durability and workload. The uncertainty surrounding them adds a layer of complexity to draft strategies. Meanwhile, the ever-changing dynamics of ballparks and equipment could shift player values significantly. Welcome back to baseball; it's going to be a fascinating ride.

As 2025 spring training approaches, the MLB is set to witness the return of pivotal players who have been sidelined due to injuries. Among them is Shohei Ohtani, who, after a season filled with accolades including a World Series victory and a third MVP award, has undergone significant surgeries yet remains a two-way threat for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Ronald Acuña Jr. is also poised to re-enter the spotlight for the Atlanta Braves following a torn ACL, bringing his explosive batting back into the lineup. The Braves will welcome Spencer Strider, a dominating strikeout pitcher, back to bolster their rotation. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Guardians anticipate Shane Bieber's return to reclaim his ace status. Other notable comebacks include Sandy Alcantara for the Miami Marlins and Mike Trout for the Los Angeles Angels, both of whom bring immense talent that could shift their teams' fortunes in the upcoming season.

Excitement abounds as fantasy baseball enters its 2025 season, particularly in the starting pitcher category. The competition for the top spot between Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates, who dazzled last season with a 1.96 ERA and Rookie of the Year honors, and Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers, who posted a stellar 2.39 ERA, highlights the depth of talent this year. Beyond these two aces, the rankings feature established stars like Jacob deGrom and emerging talent such as Spencer Strider, setting the stage for a thrilling draft season for fantasy enthusiasts.

Alongside these rankings, several pitchers are navigating injury concerns and trade rumors, with names like Max Scherzer drawing interest and Jacob deGrom reporting positive health updates ahead of Spring Training. RotoBaller's comprehensive analysis and draft kit are tailored for fantasy players looking to optimize their team selections ahead of the upcoming season.

The Atlanta Braves are approaching the end of the 2024 season with a couple of gaps in their starting rotation. The return of Spencer Strider will fill one of these spots, leaving another vacancy that needs to be addressed. Despite a flurry of minor-league contracts, the Braves have yet to make significant moves to strengthen their rotation. They are being cautious with their spending and are unlikely to exceed the luxury tax threshold, making it crucial for them to be selective in their acquisitions.

One potential target is Jack Flaherty, a 29-year-old right-handed pitcher who could be a perfect fit for the Braves. Flaherty is projected to sign a one-year deal worth around $21.1 million, which aligns with the team's budget. He had a successful season with the Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Dodgers, achieving a 3.17 ERA and 194 strikeouts over 162 innings pitched. However, he struggled in the postseason, posting a 7.36 ERA in five starts. If the Braves do not secure Flaherty, they have an in-house option in Ian Anderson, who is set to compete for a spot in Spring Training after recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Anderson, who last pitched in the majors in August 2022, has a career ERA of 3.97 over 52 MLB starts. He was a key contributor during the Braves' 2021 World Series victory, showcasing his potential as a reliable starter. The Braves are also moving away from long-time rotation member Charlie Morton, who is leaning toward retirement. Additionally, they are not pursuing Nick Pivetta, who has a qualifying offer attached and whose performance with the Boston Red Sox did not warrant the loss of a draft pick. As the Braves look to finalize their rotation, they face important decisions that could impact their success in the upcoming season.