The fun continues in North Port, Florida, as Ronald Acuña Jr. and some other Atlanta Braves have been participating in live BP. Gabe Burns of the AJC has given an inside look at camp all week; Acuña stepped in against Chris Sale, and the veteran lefty got the better of him, punching him out twice. Just another day of work in February, and not exactly a chill at-bat when you’re staring down one of the nastiest arms in the league.
Still, the bigger picture remains encouraging. Acuña recently told Mark Bowman of MLB.com that he’s fully healthy heading into 2026 and feels as good as he has in a long time. A couple of strikeouts in February won’t move the needle much. What matters is that he’s on the field, taking reps, and working toward being the guy the Braves need when the games start counting.
More Braves News:
The television schedule for the World Baseball Classic has been finalized. Ronald Acuña Jr. and Ozzie Albies will be facing off on Tubi.
We took a look back at Atlanta’s Negro Leagues history with the Black Crackers.
MLB News:
The Philadelphia Phillies released outfielder Nick Castellanos. He is still owed $20M by the Phillies.
Pittsburgh legend Elroy Face passed away at 97. He still holds the franchise record for appearances and saves.
The New York Yankees have officially announced their one-year, $4M deal with Paul Goldschmidt.
The Miami Marlins have finalized their one-year, $4M deal with starter Chris Paddack. To make room on the roster, the club placed Ronny Henriquez on the 60-day injured list.
Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jackson Holliday underwent successful hamate surgery and will be out several weeks past Opening Day.
The Los Angeles Dodgers re-signed utilityman Kiké Hernandez, who will rejoin the club on a one-year, $4.5M deal. The club also agreed to a one-year contract extension with Max Muncy.
The Milwaukee Brewers and William Contreras avoided arbitration after the two agreed to a one-year deal. Contreras will earn $9.4M in 2026.
The New York Mets officially announced their one-year deal with outfielder MJ Melendez.
Paul Sewald is returning to the Arizona Diamondbacks on a one-year, $1.5M deal.
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