Report: Ronald Acuña Jr. aims to play in World Baseball Classic

For Braves fans hoping Ronald Acuña Jr. might take it easy this offseason, they should know by now that the 2023 NL MVP doesn’t have an off switch.

Acuña has already received permission from the Braves to play in the Venezuelan Winter League as he prepares to represent his country in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, which is set to take place next March.

Injuries are the only thing that have slowed Acuña down in his career. He’s already endured multiple ACL tears and a handful of smaller ailments that have landed him on the injured list, so the concerns from Braves fans are understandable. But this is a routine song and dance every offseason. Acuña loves returning home to play in front of Venezuelan fans, and it’s no surprise that he wants to proudly wear his country’s colors in the World Baseball Classic.

You can debate whether it’s the wisest move for his long-term career — especially with a massive payday looming as long as he stays healthy — but what you can’t question is his passion for the game and his pride in representing Venezuela. Acuña has made it clear where his priorities lie, and that’s something to be respected, not criticized.

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