ATLANTA — Ronald Acuna Jr., the Atlanta Braves outfielder, is emerging as a pivotal leader for the team as they advance deeper into the postseason. Although Acuna holds a 2021 World Series ring, his experience during that championship run was limited by knee surgery, which sidelined him during critical moments.

At 28, Acuna now has the opportunity to contribute fully in the playoffs, playing some of the best baseball of his recent seasons. After the Braves defeated the Philadelphia Phillies in the wild-card round, they are now locked in a tight National League Division Series against the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers. The series is tied at one game apiece as it shifts to Atlanta for Game 3.

Acuna’s leadership is informed not only by his MLB experience but also by his role in Venezuela’s historic victory at the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC). Despite Venezuela’s quarterfinal exit in 2023, where they lost to the United States, Acuna helped lead the nation to its first WBC title three years later. He posted solid stats throughout the tournament, including seven hits, four RBIs, and scored 10 runs, the most on his team.

This international success provided Acuna with a different kind of fulfillment, as it allowed him to directly influence his team's achievement, contrasting with his sidelined role in the 2021 World Series. Moreover, the WBC victory reinforced the broader impact of his performance beyond the MLB, resonating deeply with fans in Venezuela where baseball holds significant cultural importance.

The importance of this connection became even more pronounced following the devastating 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes that struck northern Venezuela on June 24, causing extensive loss of life and infrastructure damage. Hailing from La Guaira, one of the hardest-hit areas, Acuna has actively contributed aid through donations and supporting fundraising efforts by signing memorabilia. He has also offered encouragement to survivors with personal video messages, aiming to provide some relief amid the crisis.

Acuna has said this sense of responsibility to both his home country and his team fuels his motivation. “It’s about bringing joy to the people who watch you play,” he stated, emphasizing the shared sentiment of pride in representing both Venezuela and Atlanta.

Throughout the 2024 MLB season, Acuna has delivered several key moments for the Braves. Notably, late in the regular season against the Phillies, he hit two home runs in one series, including a three-run game-tying shot on national television. He also hit a go-ahead grand slam against the Houston Astros in a critical late-season victory that helped Atlanta clinch the National League East title.

After struggling with injuries and adjustments earlier in the season, Acuna responded positively when Braves manager Walt Weiss sat him for a game in August due to a batting slump. He modified his stance and subsequently posted a .337 batting average with seven home runs and 20 RBIs over the following stretch, greatly boosting his overall contribution.

His return to form has energized the Braves lineup. The team struggled to maintain consistency during his absences, posting a 27-28 record without him this season. Teammates cite his presence as a catalyst for the team’s energy and competitiveness, underscoring his integral role as Atlanta seeks a deep postseason run.

“Whenever he’s not around, you feel like there’s a missing spark,” said teammate Michael Harris II. “When he comes back, you feel the energy and fun, and of course, all the talent that he has on the field.”