The Atlanta Braves are coming off a very disappointing season. But 2026 is a new year, and the Braves are confident they can get back to the playoffs under new manager Walt Weiss. It will not be an easy task, though. However, Weiss has made a crucial lineup decision regarding Ronald Acuña Jr.
Per Mark Bowman of MLB.com, Weiss has confirmed that Acuña will be back in the leadoff spot this season. Acuña was the leadoff hitter last season when he was healthy, and Weiss has decided that he is best suited for the spot in the order.
Ronald Acuña Jr Last Season
GettyRonald Acuña Jr will bat leadoff for the Braves in 2026.
Acuña is one of the best players in the MLB when healthy. Health is the main factor, though. He has torn his ACL twice in his young career, which is a major setback for an outfielder of his caliber. Last season, he dealt with an Achilles injury that kept him out for a few weeks.
These lower-body injuries are a reason for concern as Acuña continues to age in the MLB. But when he was healthy, the 28-year-old returned to his normal form.
Last year, Acuña slashed .290/.417/.518 with 21 home runs, 42 RBI, and 74 runs scored. He stole just nine bases, but that should be expected with the knee injuries he has dealt with. If Acuña can build off of 2025, the Braves are going to be in great shape at the top of the order.
Defensively, the five-time All-Star plays right field. But it has not been at a high level. Acuña has a very strong arm (98th percentile in arm strength), but his range has taken a big hit. In 2025, the outfielder recorded an Outs Above Average (OAA) of minus-11. That was in the 2nd percentile in the MLB.
There is plenty of time for him to improve defensively and keep himself in the field. However, it would not be surprising to see him slot into the designated hitter role a few times throughout the season.
Who Bats After Acuña
GettyThe second batter in the lineup will be determined at a later date.
Bowman reported that Weiss has yet to make a decision on who will bat second in the lineup. But it seems to be between Drake Baldwin and Matt Olson. Bowman also mentioned that Weiss believes both hitters are good enough against left-handed pitchers that he does not mind using them back-to-back in the batting order.
Baldwin won the 2025 Rookie of the Year award. He slashed .274/.341/.469 with 19 home runs, 80 RBI, and a 3.3 bWAR. Baldwin was actually better against lefties last year, as well. The left-handed batter slashed .299/.358/.460. Having him in the lineup against left-handers should not be a problem this year.
Olson has played all 162 games for four straight seasons. Last year, the slugger slashed .272/.366/.484 with 29 home runs, 95 RBI, and 41 doubles. Against lefties, Olson batted .281 with a .792 OPS. His batting average was higher against left-handers, but his OPS was a big lower. Still, he does a great job against same side pitchers.
Keeping that in mind, batting Baldwin and Olson two and three would not be a bad choice.
Braves’ Walt Weiss Makes Ronald Acuña Opening Day Lineup Decision