Who Protects the Leadoff King?

Acuña’s spot is settled. The debate shifts to which hitter best complements his on-base ability and base-stealing threat

The leadoff debate is over. The real decision now lives one spot lower.

Manager Walt Weiss confirmed Sunday that Ronald Acuña Jr. will serve as the Atlanta Braves’ leadoff hitter this season, citing the pressure it puts on opposing pitchers.

“When that lineup turns over, man, I want it to be a gauntlet. It starts with Ronald and it’s tough to catch your breath. That’s the plan.”

There’s also a familiarity and comfort aspect to it, with Weiss explaining, “the leadoff spot has become part of his identity. He’s been really, really good at it, and I just happen to like him there, too.”

So, with Acuña back at the top and Matt Olson seemingly locked into the No. 3 spot, Atlanta now faces a subtler but arguably more important question: what belongs in between?

Do they stack on-base percentage behind Acuña and multiply traffic?

Or do they prioritize contact and damage, trying to amplify early scoring opportunities?

Let’s talk about it.