As the Atlanta Braves gear up for the 2025 season, all eyes are on their star players to ensure they stay healthy and productive. While much of the focus has been on the return of Ronald Acuña Jr., who was a key part of the team’s success before his injury, another name that could be equally important for the Braves’ offense in 2025 is third baseman Austin Riley. His return to form after an injury-plagued 2024 season could be the key to the team’s championship aspirations.
Riley’s 2024 season was marred by an unfortunate injury that disrupted what was shaping up to be another strong year. In a season filled with setbacks for the Braves, Acuña’s injury was a major blow to their lineup, but it was Riley’s fluke injury late in the season that offended to stall. With Riley out of the picture, the Braves were forced to rely on Gio Urshela, who was a solid replacement but never quite filled the void left by Riley’s power and consistency.
Austin Riley had been a key contributor to the Braves’ offense for the past few years, making back-to-back All-Star appearances in 2022 and 2023. Over those two seasons, Riley was one of the league’s most productive third basemen, with an impressive .286 batting average, 108 home runs, and 297 RBIs. His durability was also a major asset, missing only eight games across three seasons, which allowed him to stay in the lineup and consistently produce for his team.
The Braves need Riley back at full strength to regain the offensive firepower they had before his injury. While Acuña’s presence in the lineup is invaluable, Riley’s ability to drive in runs and provide consistent power in the middle of the order is just as crucial to their success. With the 2025 season approaching, the Braves are eagerly anticipating a healthy Riley who can return to his 2021-2023 form.
Despite a down year in 2024, Riley’s track record speaks for itself. His WAR (wins above replacement) of 6.3 in 2021 and 2022, and 5.9 in 2023, demonstrates his elite level of play during those seasons. He’s been one of the best third basemen in the game, ranking just behind elite players like José Ramírez and Manny Machado in WAR over the past few years. A healthy Riley gives the Braves a top-tier hitter and a legitimate power threat in the middle of their order.
Unfortunately, 2024 was not Riley’s best season. He only batted .256 with 19 home runs, 56 RBIs, and a .783 OPS in 110 games. This marked a significant dip from his usual output, as he fell 11 home runs shy of his fourth straight 30-homer season. While his overall numbers weren’t terrible, they were clearly below his standard, and the injury certainly played a role in his struggles.
With the 2025 season on the horizon, Riley’s goal is to bounce back stronger than ever. He’ll likely use the time off to refine his approach at the plate, working on making better contact and improving his strikeout rate. In previous years, Riley had struggled with his strikeouts, posting a 24.7% K-rate, which ranked among the worst for third basemen. This is an area where he could stand to improve, as cutting down on strikeouts would allow him to make more consistent contact and take full advantage of his power potential.
For the Braves, Riley’s return to form isn’t just about individual success – it’s about reestablishing their offensive identity as one of the best in the league. With Acuña at the top of the lineup and Riley in the heart of it, the Braves could form one of the most potent offensive duos in all of Major League Baseball. The lineup would also benefit from the contributions of other key players, but Riley’s ability to provide both power and consistency is vital for the team’s overall success.
If Riley can return to his 2021-2023 form, it would significantly strengthen the Braves’ chances of competing for a World Series title in 2025. His ability to drive in runs, protect hitters like Acuña, and provide pop in clutch situations is exactly what the Braves need to make another deep playoff run. They’ll need Riley to return as a key piece of their offense, especially considering the uncertainty around other parts of the lineup.
Riley’s potential to make an impact in 2025 is not just based on his offensive production. His defensive ability at third base also plays a crucial role in the Braves’ success. Riley has proven to be a reliable fielder, consistently providing solid defense at the hot corner. His presence on the field brings stability to the Braves’ infield, which will be even more important if they are to compete at a high level in the competitive National League.
As the 2025 season approaches, the Braves are hopeful that Riley will be able to stay healthy and return to his All-Star form. If he can stay on the field and produce at the level he’s capable of, the Braves will have one of the most potent offenses in the league. With a healthy Riley, they’ll have the offensive depth needed to compete for a championship, especially with a pitching staff that has the potential to keep them in games.
In the end, Riley’s health will be one of the most important factors in the Braves’ success in 2025. While Ronald Acuña Jr. may get the lion’s share of the attention, Riley’s return to his best form could be the missing piece the Braves need to get back to their championship-winning ways. As long as he’s healthy and contributing, Riley could be the player who helps push the Braves over the top.