The report that Ronald Acuña Jr. is making a conscious, full-time family move to Atlanta to stay focused and grounded during the season is highly consistent with his recent public actions and is being widely speculated by Braves insiders as a major boost for his 2026 NL MVP potential.
While a specific “breaking news” announcement of the exact relocation date is not found, the emotional shift is undeniably real and ongoing:
The Confirmed Shift: Family First in Atlanta
Acuña, who is from Venezuela, historically spent portions of the offseason and time during the season away from his family, a common challenge for international players. Recent reports show a clear commitment to keeping his wife, Maria Laborde, and their young sons (Ronald Daniel and Jamal) firmly established in the Atlanta area:
- Public Glimpses: Acuña’s wife, Maria, frequently shares wholesome videos on social media from their Georgia home, showing Acuña spending quality time with their sons, often playing baseball in the backyard. These intimate moments, especially during his rehab from his second ACL tear in 2025, highlight his dedication as a committed father while in Georgia.
- The Emotional Anchor: After his first ACL tear in 2021, Acuña admitted the emotional distance from his family was difficult. His decision to prioritize his family’s full-time presence in Atlanta provides him with an essential emotional anchor and stability that he believes translates directly into better focus and performance on the field.
- A “Homegrown” Feeling: For Braves fans, this is seen as the final commitment—Acuña is not just a player for the Braves; he is truly an Atlantan. This cements his place as the franchise cornerstone, akin to Chipper Jones.
Why Insiders Believe This Sparks a Breakout
Acuña is expected to enter the 2026 season two years removed from his second ACL tear (suffered in 2024), which is historically the point where players fully regain their explosive speed and confidence. The emotional factor is the perceived catalyst for translating his physical recovery into MVP-level output:
- Full Mental Clarity: Baseball requires intense focus. Removing the stress of constantly managing family logistics and long-distance relationships allows Acuña to dedicate his full mental energy to the game—a necessary factor for challenging the 40/70 season he posted in 2023.
- Aggressiveness Restored: Acuña was notably cautious on the basepaths in 2025, stealing only nine bases after his return. Recent winter ball appearances show he is ready to be more aggressive in 2026. The emotional assurance of his family being nearby may give him the final confidence needed to push his body to its physical limits again, restoring his five-tool greatness.
The combination of full physical recovery and emotional stability has analysts forecasting a return to the top of the NL MVP race for Acuña in 2026.
