The electrifying news that Ronald Acuña Jr. has returned to his homeland is confirmed! The Atlanta Braves superstar outfielder is back in Venezuela, injecting “wildfire hope” into the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League (LVBP) as he joins his team, the Tiburones de La Guaira (La Guaira Sharks).
Acuña Jr.’s return is more than just a baseball transaction; it is a momentous occasion for the country, demonstrating his “vow to home” and his passion for playing in front of his local fans.
The Debut: Friday Night Lights
Acuña Jr. was scheduled to make his 2025-26 LVBP debut on Friday, November 28 (the night before this report), alongside Kansas City Royals infielder Maikel García.
- Team: Tiburones de La Guaira
- Opponent: Ozzie Guillén’s Tigres de Aragua
- Location: Estadio Jorge Luis García Carneiro in La Guaira, Venezuela
The debut marks a pivotal moment for La Guaira, who entered the contest sitting fifth in the LVBP standings and needing a spark to climb toward a playoff spot.
The Motivation: Health and The World Baseball Classic
The Braves granted Acuña Jr. permission to play winter ball despite a 2025 MLB season that was disrupted by injuries, including a late-season bout with right Achilles tendon inflammation.
- Preparation: While he missed significant time in 2025, Acuña Jr. is viewing this LVBP stint as a full competitive ramp-up, stating he does not see it merely as a “bridge” to the WBC, but a serious effort to help the Tiburones win.
- The WBC Vow: His primary external motivation, however, is clear: using the winter league to prepare for his appearance with the Venezuelan national team at the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) in March. Acuña Jr. is determined to wear his country’s colors in the international tournament.
His previous two LVBP appearances (2022-23 and 2023-24) showed his dominance, during which he hit .381 with 11 home runs in 51 total games. The return of “El Abusador” is expected to be a major boost not just for his club, but for the entire league.
