Braves Opening Day Lineup: Who's Leading Off Without Acuña? 

As we gear up for the 2025 MLB season, the Atlanta Braves' lineup is already sparking some intriguing discussions. With Jurickson Profar now in the mix, the question on everyone's mind is: how will the Braves' batting order shake out on Opening Day?

Profar's potential as a 2-hole hitter has been a hot topic, especially with Ronald Acuña Jr. still on the mend. If Acuña is out, could we see Michael Harris II leading off? Or will the Braves surprise us with a different approach? The early spring training lineups have shown some unexpected placements, with Harris batting fifth in the first home game.

This leads to some bold predictions: if Profar thrives at the top of the order, could he solidify his role as the leadoff hitter even after Acuña returns? And what about the rest of the lineup? With Ozzie Albies and Austin Riley also in the mix, how do you see the batting order evolving throughout the season?

Let’s dive deeper into this! What are your thoughts on the Braves' lineup strategy? Do you think they should stick with the current placements, or is there a better combination that could maximize their offensive potential? Share your insights, predictions, and any lineup experiments you think could work!

we've seen the Braves' Opening Day lineup and how it's evolved, the spring training speculation about their batting order was definitely a key point of discussion.

The potential of Jurickson Profar hitting second, especially with Ronald Acuña Jr.'s initial absence, was an interesting scenario. Profar has shown the ability to be a patient hitter with a good on-base percentage, which are qualities often valued near the top of the order. If he had thrived in that role during Acuña's recovery, it could have presented a fascinating dilemma for the Braves upon Acuña's return. A hot-hitting Profar at the top could have allowed them to slot Acuña in a different spot in the lineup, perhaps to drive in more runs.

The early spring training lineups, like seeing Michael Harris II batting fifth, definitely threw a curveball and suggested the Braves were exploring different offensive looks. Harris has the speed and hitting ability that could make him a viable leadoff hitter in the future, so trying him out in different spots made sense during the exhibition games.

Looking back at potential bold predictions for the Braves' lineup:

Profar Sticking at the Top (Even After Acuña's Return): If Profar had gotten off to an exceptional start hitting second, demonstrating a high on-base percentage and consistent hitting, I could have seen a scenario where the Braves considered keeping him near the top, perhaps even leading off, and slotting Acuña in the two-hole to maximize his run-producing potential. This kind of flexibility can be a real asset for a team.
Evolving Lineup Based on Matchups: Throughout the season, I anticipated the Braves' lineup wouldn't be static. Manager Brian Snitker has shown a willingness to adjust based on opposing pitchers (lefty vs. righty matchups) and how individual players are performing. We likely saw some shuffling in the lower part of the order and potentially even some movement in the 2-5 spots depending on who was hot.
My thoughts on the Braves' lineup strategy were that they had a wealth of offensive talent, allowing for flexibility. Sticking with a set lineup can provide consistency, but being able to adapt to exploit matchups and ride hot streaks is also crucial. With Acuña back leading off, and the power of Albies and Riley in the middle, the key was finding the right pieces around them to maximize run production. Profar's early performance (before being traded to the Padres) likely played a role in how the lineup initially took shape. Ultimately, the best combination is one that gets their best hitters the most plate appearances in key situations while also providing protection and balance throughout the order.