11Alive’s Reggie Chatman is in North Port, Florida throughout the week, providing news and updates every day.
NORTH PORT, Fla. — The vibes were good in North Port on Thursday for Braves Spring Training, with Ronald Acuña Jr. setting the tone.
“I’m 200%,” he said. “I need to have a good season.”
11Alive’s Reggie Chatman is in North Port, Florida throughout the week, providing news and updates every day.
He posted a clip of Acuña’s comments, which you can watch below, or watch his full comments in the video player above this story.
“I’m 200%. I need to have a good season”
Ronald Acuña Jr on his health heading into 2026. #Braves pic.twitter.com/JZMaf2kZK1
— Reggie Chatman Jr. (@ReggieChatman) February 12, 2026
We also meanwhile heard from Spencer Strider, who’s looking for his first full, healthy year since 2023.
He told reporters he’s worked on a number of things this season.
Spencer Strider explains what he worked on this offseason:
– Focused on optimal movement and range of motion
– Didn’t track velocity because not much high intensity throwing
– Lots of lower intensity work to improve movement pattern #Braves pic.twitter.com/YTifMcBHop
— Reggie Chatman Jr. (@ReggieChatman) February 12, 2026
Austin Riley also took time to make anyone over the age of 30 feel old, reflecting on where he’s at in his career at the ripe old age of 28 and where his health is at heading into next season.
“I’m not getting any younger”
28 year old Austin Riley says he feels really good after using the offseason to get healthy.
Focused on flexibility and mobility. Here’s everything he had to say about his health: pic.twitter.com/BUwkOHoisF
— Reggie Chatman Jr. (@ReggieChatman) February 12, 2026
And we also heard for the first time from new pitching coach Jeremy Hefner.
New Braves pitching coach Jeremy Hefner says he grew up watching the Braves on TBS.
Called his former team the Mets: “That other team up north”
Braves fans are going to love that pic.twitter.com/Rxcrmk8RV2
— Reggie Chatman Jr. (@ReggieChatman) February 12, 2026
The Braves are conducting live BP today, and Reggie is posting about it on X if you want to give him a follow.
Sale vs Acuña
“First live BP and you give me this?” – Chris Sale jokes pic.twitter.com/w5ob4nNtvD
— Reggie Chatman Jr. (@ReggieChatman) February 12, 2026
Young right hander Hurston Waldrep will pitch next for live ABs
Looks like the same Ronald, Ozzie, Tromp group pic.twitter.com/w41zXFflRa
— Reggie Chatman Jr. (@ReggieChatman) February 12, 2026
Braves prospect JR Ritchie will pitch next
Up against Drake Baldwin to start his day pic.twitter.com/zWRrZ6PC8y
— Reggie Chatman Jr. (@ReggieChatman) February 12, 2026