Acuña Jr. Takes Bold Step for Winter Ball and WBC Aspirations
The Atlanta Braves’ electrifying outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. is gearing up for a significant winter as he prepares to head back to Venezuela. The club has granted special permission for him to participate in winter ball, a move aimed at solidifying his readiness for the upcoming World Baseball Classic (WBC).
Acuña Jr.’s Winter Ball Ambitions
Acuña’s decision to play winter ball comes on the heels of a season marred by injuries, which limited his time on the field. Initially, one might expect the Braves to prioritize rest for their star player, but the allure of the WBC has prompted a different approach.
“Major League Baseball teams prefer that their players have special preparation if they are going to play in the Classic,” explained Jimmy Meayke, Director of Baseball Operations for the La Guaira Sharks, the team Acuña is set to join. “Ronald wants to play it.” The timing of his arrival for winter ball remains uncertain, but December appears to be the target month, as Meayke noted, “As close to the [World Baseball Classic] as possible, even in the postseason.”
Reflecting on Past Performance
Acuña’s previous stint in the WBC came just before his historic MVP season in 2023. In that tournament, he played five games, recording a .222 batting average with no home runs, two RBIs, and three stolen bases. While his performance wasn’t a harbinger of his remarkable season to come, it was part of his preparation. Venezuela excelled in Pool D, finishing with a perfect 4-0 record, before falling to the United States in the quarterfinals, ultimately placing fourth.
The aftermath of Acuña’s participation in the last WBC was astounding. He surged with 41 home runs and 73 stolen bases during the regular season, joining the elite 40-40 club and making history as the first player to achieve both 40 home runs and 70 stolen bases in a single season. This year, he added to his accolades with a fifth All-Star appearance, earning a starting outfield spot despite a late-season resurgence. Although he was slated to compete in the Home Run Derby, he opted out for precautionary reasons, allowing Matt Olson to step in.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 WBC
The next World Baseball Classic is scheduled for March 5 to March 17, 2026. Venezuela will kick off the tournament in Miami, once again competing in Pool D against formidable opponents, including the Dominican Republic, The Netherlands, Israel, Cuba, and Nicaragua. Acuña Jr.’s return to winter ball represents not just a commitment to his own development, but also a dedication to bringing his best to the international stage, as he aims to lead Venezuela in pursuit of WBC glory.
