After another huge homer in Arlington that helped lead the Braves to a 12-0 win over the Rangers on Monday, Venezuelan Ronald Acuña Jr. took another step toward living up to his projections this season.
It was his ninth homer of the season, which moves him to a projected 35 homers and 67 stolen bases (he currently has 17; NL-leading), according to MLB.com.
“The thing that impresses me (about Acuña) so far this year is his work ethic,” Atlanta Braves third base coach Ron Washington told MLB.com’s Jaylin Smooth. “He has attended to the details. In the past, he had more confidence in his talent, but now he really pays attention to detail and makes sure his body is ready.”
It should be noted that Acuña has never cheated more than 37 pads. In fact, the year he went the furthest was 2019, when he was close to 40-40. And since that year he hasn’t been able to hit more than 25 homers and steal at least 30 bases. This was influenced by his longstanding knee injury and recovery from it; Despite this, he cheated in 29 mats last year.
However, now that he is at 100% of his abilities, he shows it every day, giving it his all on the field. And even their own technicians confirm this.
“The most important thing is that he is healthy,” said manager Brian Snitker. “His legs are fine. If he stays healthy, the numbers are going to stay there. You don’t need to play with the numbers. He’s so talented that if he stays healthy the numbers will come if he plays his game.”
He will join Bonds and Eric Davis
In the event that Venezuela complies with the provisions, he will join Eric Davis (37 HR, 50 stolen bases in 1987) and Barry Bonds (33 HR, 52 BR in 1990) as the only baseball players in American League history are players. and Nationals for recording 30 or more home runs and at least 50 steals in a year. In addition, he would be the first man to hit over 30 home runs and over 60 steals.
“The way he’s playing right now, he deserves the MVP,” Ron Washington said of Acuña. “Regardless of what his numbers are at the end of the year, if he continues to play the way he’s been playing, he’s going to move up in the polls.”
Currently, Acuña ranks among the top five most important offensive departments in baseball. He was first in runs scored (37), second in hits (55), stolen bases (17) and average (.344). Likewise, he leads the National League in OPS (1.024), on-base percentage (.436) and is third in slugging (.588).
