In a disappointing turn of events for fantasy baseball managers, Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr., the defending National League MVP and a top pick in this season's drafts, has suffered a torn ACL in his left knee. The injury occurred during a game on Sunday, abruptly ending Acuna's 2024 campaign after just 49 games.

Acuna's performance this season paled in comparison to his historic numbers in 2023. Last year, he boasted a stellar.337 batting average, 41 home runs, 106 RBI, 73 stolen bases, and an impressive 149 runs scored. However, this season, he struggled to find his rhythm, hitting only.250 with four home runs and 16 stolen bases.

While many fantasy managers had anticipated a regression from Acuna's record-breaking 2023 season, few expected him to rank as low as 38th on the ESPN Player Rater (roto leagues) and fall outside the top 50 hitters in ESPN points formats. Acuna's underwhelming performance left many feeling frustrated and seeking alternatives.

To address the void left by Acuna's absence, the Braves are likely to adjust their left field platoon. Outfielders Jarred Kelenic and Adam Duvall are expected to see increased playing time until the team potentially makes a trade. Kelenic, a lefty hitter, has struggled to make an impact, while Duvall, a right-handed power hitter, has a history of success against right-handed pitchers but has faced challenges with staying healthy.

In this points league format, stolen bases have been less significant in terms of fantasy value. As fantasy managers seek replacements, it is crucial to focus on overall numbers rather than specifically targeting stolen bases. Fortunately, there are several outfielders who have shown productivity at times this season and may continue to perform well.

Max Kepler of the Minnesota Twins has displayed above-average power and an improved fly ball rate, making him a reliable option. Kerry Carpenter of the Detroit Tigers has showcased his ability to hit for power against right-handed pitchers and should be a consistent home run contributor. San Francisco Giants' youngster Luis Matos has displayed a combination of power, speed, and plate discipline. JJ Bleday of the Oakland Athletics has recently shown promise with a three-game home run streak, potentially indicating a breakout season.

Other options include David Fry of the Cleveland Guardians, a catcher-turned-outfielder with a respectable batting average and power numbers; Alec Burleson of the St. Louis Cardinals, who has shown consistency at the plate; Daulton Varsho of the Toronto Blue Jays, a potential late bloomer with power and speed; Giancarlo Stanton of the New York Yankees, who still possesses the ability to hit home runs; Jo Adell of the Los Angeles Angels, a player with a good combination of power and speed; and Dylan Moore of the Seattle Mariners, who has improved his contact rate this season.

While none of these replacements can fully replicate Acuna's extraordinary numbers from last season, fantasy managers can look to these players for potential contributions in various statistical categories. The loss of Acuna will undoubtedly be felt, but managers can still find ways to adapt and strive for success in their leagues.