Jump to content

Ronald Acuña Jr.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Ronald Acuña Jr.
Acuña with the Atlanta Braves in 2021
Atlanta Braves – No. 13
Outfielder
Born: (1997-12-18) December 18, 1997 (age 27)
La Guaira, Venezuela
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
MLB debut
April 25, 2018, for the Atlanta Braves
MLB statistics
(through 2024 season)
Batting average.289
Hits815
Home runs165
Runs batted in417
Stolen bases196
Stats at Baseball Reference Edit this at Wikidata
Teams
Career highlights and awards

Ronald José Acuña Blanco Jr. (born December 18, 1997) is a Venezuelan professional baseball outfielder for the Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball (MLB). After signing with the Braves as an international free agent in 2014, Acuña made his MLB debut in 2018, and won the National League Rookie of the Year Award.

Since 2018, Acuña has made four MLB All-Star team appearances, won three Silver Slugger Awards, and twice led the league in stolen bases. During the 2023 season, he became the fifth MLB member of the 40–40 club, set a modern-era franchise record in stolen bases, with 73, and became the first MLB player to accomplish a 40–70 season. Acuña won the 2023 National League Most Valuable Player Award.

Career

[edit]

Minor leagues

[edit]

Acuña signed with the Atlanta Braves for $100,000 as an international free agent in July 2014.[1][2] He made his professional debut in 2015 with the Gulf Coast Braves and was promoted to the Danville Braves that season. In 55 games between the two teams, he batted .269 with four home runs, 18 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases.

In 2016, he slashed .312/.392/.429 with four home runs and 19 RBIs in only 42 games combined[3] between the Gulf Coast Braves and Rome Braves due to an injury.[4][5] After the season, he played for the Melbourne Aces of the Australian Baseball League and was named an ABL All-Star.[6] Acuña made his first appearances in Grapefruit League games at the start of the 2017 season as an extra player originally assigned to minor league camp.[7] He began the year with the Florida Fire Frogs of the Class A-Advanced Florida State League and was later promoted to the Mississippi Braves of the Class AA Southern League.[8] Acuña was named to the All-Star Futures Game roster in July, and played the whole game, one of three World Team members to do so.[9] He reported to the Gwinnett Braves of the Class AAA International League immediately after the All-Star break,[10] making his International League debut against the Charlotte Knights, during which he hit an opposite-field home run in his second at bat.[11] For the year, Acuña appeared in 139 games, hitting .325/.374/.522 with 21 homers, 82 RBIs and 44 stolen bases.[12]

After the 2017 minor league regular season ended, Acuña was invited to join the Arizona Fall League and was assigned to the Peoria Javelinas.[13] He played 23 games in the AFL hitting .325/.414/.639 alongside seven home runs, winning the league championship and claiming league MVP honors, becoming the AFL's youngest most valuable player.[12][14]

Baseball America ranked Acuña as the No. 1 Major League Baseball prospect heading into the 2018 season.[15] MLB.com ranked him second to Japanese pitcher/hitter Shohei Ohtani.[16] Acuña began the year at major league spring training.[17] Despite a .432 average and four home runs in spring training, Acuña was reassigned to minor league camp on March 19, 2018.[18] He reported to the Gwinnett Stripers to begin the 2018 season.[19]

Atlanta Braves

[edit]

2018

[edit]

On April 25, 2018, the Braves promoted Acuña to the major leagues.[20] This made him the youngest player in Major League Baseball at that time,[21] claiming the distinction from teammate Ozzie Albies.[22] Though Acuña wore uniform number 24 throughout his minor league career in honor of Miguel Cabrera,[23] he made his major league debut on April 25, 2018, wearing number 13.[24] Against the Cincinnati Reds, Acuña collected his first career hit off Kevin Shackelford. He finished the game 1-for-5 and scored the game-tying run in the eighth inning as the Braves won 5–4.[25] The next day, also against the Reds, Acuña hit his first MLB home run off Homer Bailey. He finished the game 3-for-4 as the Braves won 7–4.[26] On May 28, Acuña was placed on the 10-day disabled list due to a mild ACL sprain and a bruise in his left knee as well as back contusion.[27] On June 21, the Braves optioned Acuña to Triple-A Gwinnett for a rehab assignment.[28]

Acuña regularly hit in the leadoff spot in the lineup after the All-Star break.[29] His performance improved markedly as he implemented an adjustment to his batting stance at the suggestion of Kevin Seitzer.[30] While playing against the Miami Marlins on August 13, 2018, Acuña became the fourth player in the history of Major League Baseball to hit a home run to lead off both games of a doubleheader.[31] Additionally, he had hit a home run in his last four games, becoming the youngest player since 1920 to accomplish the feat.[32] By hitting a home run off Trevor Richards on August 14, Acuña became the youngest major leaguer ever to hit home runs in five consecutive games, as well as the fifth batter in Atlanta Braves history to do so.[33][34] Facing Adam Conley later that same game, Acuña hit his second home run of the night, marking the first time he had ever hit more than one home run in a game.[35]

Acuña at SunTrust Park in 2018.

In the finale of the Braves' series against the Marlins on August 15, Acuña faced José Ureña, who hit him with the first pitch of the game. Ureña was ejected from the game, while Acuña was replaced in the field at the top of the second inning.[36] Acuña played the Braves' next game against the Colorado Rockies on August 16.[37] When Acuña next played the Marlins on August 23, he hit another home run, and was subsequently struck by another pitch.[38] His production during the month of August won him the Major League Baseball Rookie of the Month Award.[39] On September 2, Acuña hit his seventh leadoff home run, tying a Braves team record, set by Marquis Grissom, for such home runs in a season.[40] Three days later, Acuña broke the team's leadoff home run record in a game against the Boston Red Sox.[41] With his 25th home run on September 9, Acuña became the seventh player in MLB history to hit that many home runs while under the age of 21.[42] Later that month, it was announced that Acuña would be playing in the MLB Japan All-Star Series scheduled for November.[43] With his fifteenth stolen base on September 22, 2018, Acuña became the fourth player in MLB history to record a 25–15 season, while aged 20 or below, alongside Alex Rodriguez, Orlando Cepeda, and Mike Trout.[44] Overall with the 2018 Braves, Acuña appeared in 111 MLB games, batting .293 with 26 home runs and 64 RBIs.

On October 7, in a National League Division Series game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Acuña became the youngest player in MLB history to hit a postseason grand slam, aged 20 years 293 days, off Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler.[45][46] On November 12, he was named the National League Rookie of the Year.[47][48]

2019

[edit]

On April 2, 2019, Acuña and the Braves agreed to an eight-year contract worth $100 million. The extension included team options for the 2027 and 2028 seasons.[49] Aged 21, Acuña became the youngest player in baseball history to sign a contract worth at least $100 million.[50] Acuña's deal was the largest for any player with less than one year of major league service.[51][52][53] By June 2019, Acuña had drawn attention for his power production.[54] At midseason, he was named a starting outfielder for the National League in the 2019 Major League Baseball All-Star Game,[55] and invited to take part in that year's Home Run Derby.[56]

On August 9, Acuña hit his thirtieth home run of the 2019 season while facing Marlins pitcher Tayron Guerrero.[57] Acuña joined the 30–30 club on August 24, in a game against the New York Mets.[58] He became the second-youngest player to reach the milestone, after Mike Trout.[58] With his 40th home run on September 19, Acuña became the youngest major leaguer to enter the 40–30 club.[59] He reported a minor injury in the penultimate series of the Braves' 2019 season,[60] and was rested for the remainder of the regular season.[61]

For the year, Acuña hit .280/.365/.518/.883, with 127 runs (leading the National League), 41 home runs, and 37 stolen bases (leading the NL). Acuña missed the 40–40 club by three stolen bases. He led the major leagues in power–speed number (38.9).[62] Acuña and teammates Ozzie Albies and Freddie Freeman won the 2019 National League Silver Slugger Awards for outfield, second base, and first base, respectively.[63][64]

2020

[edit]
Acuña scoring a run during a 2020 game at Nationals Park.

During a season shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Braves won the division for the third time in a row, earning a league-record 20th division title.[65] Near the end of the season, Acuña hit a 495-foot home run against the Red Sox; it was the longest MLB home run that year and the longest home run ever hit at Truist Park.[66][67] In 2020, he batted .250/.406/.581, with 14 home runs and 29 RBIs in 160 at-bats and led the league in at bats per home run.[68] He was awarded his second consecutive Silver Slugger Award and finished in twelfth place in voting for the Most Valuable Player Award.[69][70]

2021

[edit]

On May 3, Acuña was named National League Player of the Month for April, batting .341/.443/.705 with eight home runs, three stolen bases, 18 RBIs, and 25 runs scored in 24 games.[71] On May 19, Acuña hit his first career walk-off home run against the New York Mets to give the Braves a 5–4 win.[72]

On July 10, 2021, Acuña suffered a leg injury while trying to field a fly ball and was taken off the field on a motorized stretcher. An MRI showed a complete tear in his right anterior cruciate ligament, which prematurely ended his 2021 season.[73][74] In 82 games, Acuña hit .283/.394/.596 with 24 home runs, 52 RBIs and 17 stolen bases in 2021. In 2021, he had the fastest sprint speed of all major league right fielders, at 29.4 feet/second.[75] He led the major leagues with 72 runs scored at the time of his injury.[76] Acuña was elected to start the 2021 All-Star Game alongside teammates Freddie Freeman and Ozzie Albies[77] but was unable to participate due to the injury.[78] Despite Acuña's injury, the Braves went on to win the 2021 World Series.[79] Though he was not on the postseason roster, Acuña earned a World Series ring for his contributions.[80]

2022

[edit]

Acuña did not participate in spring training games, as rehabilitation from his leg injury continued into the 2022 season.[81] Acuña remained at the Braves' spring training facility and played in simulated games until being assigned to the Gwinnett Stripers during the third week of April.[82][83][84] He was activated from the injured list on April 27.[85] Acuña received the most votes of any National League player and was duly selected as a starting outfielder for the 2022 Major League Baseball All-Star Game.[86] On July 11, 2022, it was announced that Acuña would participate in the 2022 Home Run Derby.[87] Acuña finished the season batting .266/.351/.413 with 15 home runs, 50 RBIs and 29 stolen bases in 119 games. He led the National League with 11 times caught stealing.[68]

2023

[edit]

Acuña was named the NL Player of the Month for April after hitting .352/.440/.546 with 13 stolen bases. He also led the league in multi-hit games in April, with 13.[88] For the second year in a row, Acuña received the most votes of any player in the National League and thus was designated a starting outfielder for the 2023 Major League Baseball All-Star Game.[89] In addition, Acuña was named the NL Player of the Month for June after slashing .356/.429/.683 with nine home runs and 14 stolen bases.[90]

On July 3, 2023, Acuña became the first player in MLB history to tally 40 stolen bases, 20 home runs, and 50 RBIs before the All-Star break.[91] On July 29, Acuña stole his 50th base, becoming the first player since 2017 to reach the mark, and becoming the first player in MLB history to record 20 home runs and 50 stolen bases before August.[92] On August 31, Acuña joined the 30–30 club for the second time in his career (2019) by hitting a grand slam for his 30th home run of the season. With the home run, he also became the first player in MLB history to record 30 home runs and 60 stolen bases in the same season.[93][94] On September 22, Acuña joined the 40–40 club for the first time in his career,[95] eventually becoming the first player in MLB history to record 40 home runs and 70 stolen bases in the same season.[96] On September 30, Acuña broke the Braves' modern-era steals record set by Otis Nixon in 1991;[97] Nixon had no home runs that season.[98]

Acuña finished the regular season with a .337 batting average, 41 homers, 106 RBI, 73 steals, 217 hits, 149 runs and 383 total bases. Each of the latter four statistics led Major League Baseball.[99] Acuña received one of the 2023 National League Silver Slugger Awards for outfielders, the second Silver Slugger Award of his career.[100][101] Later that offseason, Acuña was named the National League Most Valuable Player. Shohei Ohtani won the American League equivalent, and, for the first time in the award's history, both AL and NL winners were selected unanimously.[102][103] Acuña and Ohtani also won that year's Hank Aaron Award, for the NL and AL respectively.[104][105] Acuña was the first Brave to win the Hank Aaron Award since Freddie Freeman in 2020.[106] Acuña and his teammates Austin Riley and Spencer Strider were named to the All-MLB First Team.[107]

2024

[edit]

On April 22, 2024, Acuña recorded his 190th career stolen base, setting a franchise record in steals since the Braves moved to Atlanta in 1966.[108]

On May 26, Acuña suffered a leg injury while taking a lead from second base against the Pittsburgh Pirates and, after being tended to by team trainers, was able to walk off the field. Initially believed to be knee soreness, the Braves later announced that an MRI showed a complete tear in his left anterior cruciate ligament and that he would miss the remainder of the 2024 season.[109] In 49 games, Acuña hit .250/.351/.365 with 4 home runs, 15 RBI, and 16 stolen bases in 2024.[110]

Player profile

[edit]
Acuña batting in 2018

Batting style

[edit]

A powerful right-handed batter, Acuña has an all-around batting range. Former major league hitter Sean Casey compared Acuña's batting style to Roberto Clemente, as his natural core power and rotational torque allows him to hit without a backswing, keeping the knob of the bat pointing down at home plate (normally pointing towards the catcher during the backswing), yet still making contact and maintaining control of the barrel.[111]

Baserunning

[edit]

On the basepaths, Acuña starts like an infielder with a more upright stance, or a running back standing with a slight bend of the knees and hands on the knees to generate greater acceleration. According to Harold Reynolds, who adopted the Rickey Henderson technique for both baserunning and fielding, the stance also stops him from leaning or tipping off-fielders for base stealing.[111]

Personal life

[edit]

Acuña's grandfather, Romualdo Blanco, and father, Ronald Acuña Sr., played minor league baseball.[112] Acuña Sr. represented Venezuela at the 2011 Pan American Games.[113] Acuña Jr. is the eldest of four sons.[114] His mother is Leonelis Blanco.[115] A younger brother, Luisangel, is a professional baseball shortstop for the New York Mets.[116] An uncle, José Escobar, played for the Cleveland Indians in 1991, and several cousins have also played in Major League Baseball, namely Vicente Campos, Alcides Escobar, Edwin Escobar, and Kelvim Escobar.[117]

Acuña married Maria Laborde on August 31, 2023.[93][94] They had known each other for four years and announced their engagement in January 2023.[118] The couple has two sons.[94]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Bowman, Mark (December 21, 2016). "Acuna impressing Braves in Australian League". MLB.com. Archived from the original on December 22, 2016. Retrieved December 22, 2016.
  2. ^ Ballew, Bill (April 28, 2016). "Braves' Acuna Is Not Shy About Challenges". Baseball America. Retrieved December 16, 2016.
  3. ^ "Ronald Acuna Jr. Stats, Highlights, Bio". MiLB.com. Retrieved April 17, 2018.
  4. ^ "Braves prospect on a tear Down Under". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. December 10, 2016. Retrieved December 16, 2016.
  5. ^ McGuinness, Zack (October 12, 2016). "Aces sign highly rated Braves prospect". MILB.com. Archived from the original on August 11, 2017. Retrieved December 16, 2016.
  6. ^ Rosenbaum, Mike (December 16, 2016). "Winter leagues roundup: Acuna, Garrett, Padlo growing Down Under". MLB.com. Archived from the original on December 17, 2016. Retrieved December 16, 2016.
  7. ^ Bowman, Mark (March 12, 2017). "Young Acuna raising eyebrows at Braves camp". MLB.com. Archived from the original on March 13, 2017. Retrieved March 13, 2017.
  8. ^ Bowman, Mark (July 6, 2017). "Going to Futures Game, Acuna's future bright". MLB.com. Archived from the original on July 9, 2017. Retrieved July 7, 2017.
  9. ^ Bell, Mandy (July 9, 2017). "Acuna displays arm, bat strength in Futures". MLB.com. Archived from the original on July 12, 2017. Retrieved July 11, 2017.
  10. ^ Bowman, Mark (July 13, 2017). "Fresh off Futures Game, Acuna up to Triple-A". MLB.com. Retrieved July 15, 2017.
  11. ^ Rosenbaum, Mike (July 13, 2017). "Acuna makes immediate impact in Triple-A debut". MLB.com. Archived from the original on July 17, 2017. Retrieved July 15, 2017.
  12. ^ a b Boor, William (November 18, 2017). "Acuna caps sensational year with AFL MVP". MLB.com. Archived from the original on November 22, 2017. Retrieved November 20, 2017.
  13. ^ Mayo, Jonathan (October 12, 2017). "Braves' Acuna leaves AFL game after HBP". MLB.com. Archived from the original on October 14, 2017. Retrieved October 15, 2017.
  14. ^ Boor, William (November 18, 2017). "MVP Acuna, Braves mates propel Peoria to title". MLB.com. Retrieved November 20, 2017.[dead link]
  15. ^ "TOP 100 MLB PROSPECTS 2018". BaseballAmerica.com. Retrieved January 23, 2018.
  16. ^ Bowman, Mark (January 28, 2018). "High ranking meaningful to prospect Acuna". MLB.com. Retrieved February 3, 2018.
  17. ^ Bowman, Mark (February 2, 2018). "Braves' camp will be loaded with top prospects". MLB.com. Retrieved February 3, 2018.
  18. ^ Bowman, Mark (March 19, 2018). "Ronald Acuna to begin 2018 in Minors". MLB.com. Retrieved March 19, 2018.
  19. ^ Bowman, Mark (April 6, 2018). "Acuna's season begins with Gwinnett opener". MLB.com. Retrieved April 7, 2018.
  20. ^ Macklin, Oliver (April 25, 2018). "Acuna set for debut, batting sixth vs. Reds". MLB.com. Retrieved April 26, 2018.
  21. ^ Schmetzer, Mark (April 26, 2018). "Ronald Acuna Jr. joins Atlanta Braves as youngest player in majors". The Denver Post. Retrieved April 25, 2018.
  22. ^ Tucker, Tim (April 25, 2018). "Leadoff: How Braves landed Acuna, Albies and Camargo for a combined $492,000". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved April 26, 2018.
  23. ^ Matz, Eddie (April 23, 2018). "Introducing Ronald Acuna, MLB's next superstar". ESPN.com. Retrieved April 26, 2018.
  24. ^ Wellham, David (April 25, 2018). "Braves-Reds lineup: Will Acuna's jersey number prove to be lucky?". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved April 26, 2018.
  25. ^ Macklin, Oliver (April 25, 2018). "Acuna gets 1st hit, scores key run in Braves' win". MLB.com. Retrieved April 25, 2018.
  26. ^ Bowman, Mark (April 26, 2018). "Acuna hits first homer, leads Braves to win". MLB.com. Retrieved April 26, 2018.
  27. ^ Bowman, Mark (May 28, 2018). "Ronald Acuna Jr. goes on DL with ACL sprain, knee bruise". MLB.com. Retrieved May 28, 2018.
  28. ^ Bowman, Mark (June 22, 2018). "Ronald Acuna to begin rehab assignment at Triple-A". MLB.com. Retrieved June 21, 2018.
  29. ^ "Braves' Ronald Acuna Jr. youngest ever to homer in 5 straight games". ESPN.com. Associated Press. August 14, 2018. Retrieved August 15, 2018.
  30. ^ Bowman, Mark (September 21, 2018). "This adjustment made all the difference for Acuna". MLB.com. Retrieved September 22, 2018.
  31. ^ Bowman, Mark (August 13, 2018). "Acuna leads off both games of twin bill with HRs". MLB.com. Retrieved August 14, 2018.
  32. ^ "Braves' Ronald Acuna Jr. leads off both ends of doubleheader with HR". ESPN.com. Associated Press. August 13, 2018. Retrieved August 14, 2018.
  33. ^ Bowman, Mark (August 14, 2018). "Acuna leads off 3rd straight game with a HR". MLB.com. Retrieved August 15, 2018.
  34. ^ Adler, David; Simon, Andrew; Randhawa, Manny (August 14, 2018). "DYK? Acuna's streak puts him in rare company". MLB.com. Retrieved August 15, 2018.
  35. ^ Bowman, Mark (August 14, 2018). "Sizzling Acuna makes history in Braves' victory". MLB.com. Retrieved August 15, 2018.
  36. ^ Bowman, Mark (August 15, 2018). "Acuna drilled by 1st pitch, benches clear". MLB.com. Retrieved August 16, 2018.
  37. ^ Bowman, Mark (August 16, 2018). "Acuna singles in return; Urena suspended". MLB.com. Retrieved August 16, 2018.
  38. ^ Goodman, Max (August 23, 2018). "Acuna exacts revenge as Braves blank Marlins". MLB.com. Retrieved August 23, 2018.
  39. ^ Kramer, Daniel (September 4, 2018). "Andujar, Acuna the top rookies of August". MLB.com. Retrieved September 4, 2018.
  40. ^ Weinrib, Ben (September 2, 2018). "Acuna ties Braves' record for leadoff HRs". MLB.com. Retrieved September 2, 2018.
  41. ^ Bowman, Mark (September 5, 2018). "Acuna's 8th leadoff HR sets franchise record". MLB.com. Retrieved September 5, 2018.
  42. ^ Bowman, Mark (September 9, 2018). "Acuna knocks No. 25, joining elite company". MLB.com. Retrieved September 10, 2018.
  43. ^ Thornburg, Chad (September 10, 2018). "Early MLB roster set for All-Star Tour in Japan". MLB.com. Retrieved September 10, 2018.
  44. ^ Bowman, Mark (September 22, 2018). "Acuna's 15th SB puts him in elite company". MLB.com. Retrieved September 22, 2018.
  45. ^ Sanchez, Jesse (October 8, 2018). "Acuna youngest to hit postseason slam". MLB.com. Retrieved October 8, 2018.
  46. ^ "Vizcaino, Braves stop Dodgers 6-5, cut NLDS deficit to 2-1". ESPN. Associated Press. October 8, 2018. Archived from the original on October 8, 2018. Retrieved October 8, 2018.
  47. ^ Matz, Eddie (November 12, 2018). "Braves' Ronald Acuna Jr. earns NL Rookie of the Year honors". ESPN.com. Retrieved November 13, 2018.
  48. ^ Bowman, Mark (November 13, 2018). "Acuna's second-half surge nets NL ROY honors". MLB.com. Retrieved November 13, 2018.
  49. ^ Bowman, Mark (April 2, 2019). "Acuna signs 8-year extension with Braves". MLB.com. Retrieved April 2, 2019.
  50. ^ Passan, Jeff (April 2, 2019). "Braves, Acuna agree to historic $100M extension". ESPN.com. Retrieved April 2, 2019.
  51. ^ "Ronald Acuña Jr., Braves agree to $100M, 8-year contract". The Washington Post. Associated Press. April 2, 2019. Retrieved April 3, 2019.
  52. ^ Hoffman, Benjamin (April 2, 2019). "Ronald Acuna Jr. Is a $100 Million Bargain". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved April 3, 2019.
  53. ^ Burns, Gabriel (April 2, 2019). "Braves, Ronald Acuna agree to 8-year contract extension". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved April 3, 2019.
  54. ^ Bowman, Mark (July 1, 2019). "Lessons from the Braves' offense in June". MLB.com. Retrieved July 3, 2019.
  55. ^ Bowman, Mark (June 27, 2019). "Acuna Jr., Freeman named All-Star starters". MLB.com. Retrieved July 3, 2019.
  56. ^ Hagan, Thomas (July 1, 2019). "First 6 names confirmed for HR Derby field". MLB.com. Retrieved July 3, 2019.
  57. ^ "Anderson's 2 homers lead Marlins to 9-2 win over Braves". USA Today. Associated Press. August 8, 2019. Retrieved September 30, 2019.
  58. ^ a b Burns, Gabriel (August 24, 2019). "Braves history: Ronald Acuna joins 30-30 club". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved September 30, 2019.
  59. ^ Bowman, Mark (September 19, 2019). "Acuña continues his chase of 40-40 club". MLB.com. Retrieved September 30, 2019.
  60. ^ Bowman, Mark (September 25, 2019). "Acuña (hip) day to day after exiting Braves' loss". MLB.com. Retrieved September 30, 2019.
  61. ^ Bowman, Mark (September 25, 2019). "Acuña done for reg. season, likely OK for NLDS". MLB.com. Retrieved September 30, 2019.
  62. ^ "2019 Major League Baseball Batting Leaders". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved October 7, 2019.
  63. ^ "Mike Trout, Braves trio among 2019 Silver Slugger Award winners". ESPN.com. November 7, 2019. Retrieved November 10, 2019.
  64. ^ Langs, Sarah (November 7, 2019). "Trio of Braves win first career Silver Sluggers". MLB.com. Retrieved November 10, 2019.
  65. ^ Kunkle, James (September 22, 2020). "The Atlanta Braves clinch the NL East!". Tomahawk Take. Retrieved August 3, 2021.
  66. ^ Grott, Connor (September 25, 2020). "Watch: Atlanta Braves' Ronald Acuna Jr. belts longest home run of 2020 season". UPI. Retrieved May 20, 2024.
  67. ^ "Statcast Leaderboard". baseballsavant.com.
  68. ^ a b "Ronald Acuna Jr. Stats". Baseball-Reference.com. Sports Reference. Retrieved July 9, 2021.
  69. ^ "Ronald Acuna Jr., Freddie Freeman among 4 Braves teammates to earn 2020 Silver Sluggers". ESPN.com. November 5, 2020. Retrieved March 24, 2021.
  70. ^ "2020 Awards Voting". Baseball-Reference.com. Sports Reference. Retrieved July 9, 2021.
  71. ^ Adler, David (May 3, 2021). "Acuña, Buxton named April's top players". MLB.com. Retrieved July 26, 2021.
  72. ^ Bowman, Mark (May 20, 2021). "'It's over': Acuña hits blast, lets Braves know". MLB.com. Retrieved July 27, 2021.
  73. ^ Sattel, Glenn (July 19, 2021). "Acuña out for '21 season with torn ACL". MLB.com. Retrieved July 12, 2021.
  74. ^ Sattel, Glenn (July 11, 2021). "Acuña in 'great spirits,' eyes full recovery". MLB.com. Retrieved July 12, 2021.
  75. ^ "Statcast Sprint Speed Leaderboard". baseballsavant.com.
  76. ^ Doolittle, Bradford (July 11, 2021). "Acuna vows he will return stronger than ever". ESPN.com. Retrieved July 28, 2021.
  77. ^ Bowman, Mark (July 2, 2021). "Freeman, Acuña in familiar spot: ASG starters". MLB.com. Retrieved July 16, 2021.
  78. ^ Bowman, Mark (July 12, 2021). "ACL injury robs Acuña of second ASG trip". MLB.com. Retrieved July 16, 2021.
  79. ^ Waldstein, David (November 3, 2021). "Atlanta Overcomes Decades of Frustration to Win World Series". The New York Times. Retrieved May 20, 2024.
  80. ^ Perrotto, John (October 6, 2023). "National League Division Series Headliners Include Braves' Ronald Acuna Jr". Forbes. Retrieved May 20, 2024.
  81. ^ "Atlanta Braves OF Ronald Acuna Jr. still rehabbing knee, won't play in any spring training games". ESPN.com. Associated Press. May 23, 2022. Retrieved April 19, 2022.
  82. ^ "Braves' Ronald Acuna Jr. has double in first rehab game with Gwinnett". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. April 19, 2022. Retrieved April 20, 2022.
  83. ^ "Ronald Acuna Jr., expected to 'be a boost' to Atlanta Braves, sent on Triple-A rehabilitation assignment". ESPN.com. Associated Press. April 17, 2022. Retrieved April 20, 2022.
  84. ^ "Ronald Acuna Jr. goes 1-for-3 with double in first rehab start ahead of long-awaited return to Atlanta Braves". ESPN.com. April 19, 2022. Retrieved April 20, 2022. Republished as: "Ronald Acuna Jr. makes first rehab start ahead of long-awaited return to Atlanta Braves". ABC News. April 19, 2022. Retrieved April 20, 2022.
  85. ^ Bowman, Mark (April 28, 2022). "Welcome back, superstar: Acuña activated from IL". MLB.com. Retrieved April 28, 2022.
  86. ^ Randhawa, Manny (July 10, 2022). "Judge, Acuña get automatic All-Star starter bids". MLB.com. Retrieved July 10, 2022.
  87. ^ Bowman, Mark (July 11, 2022). "Acuña returns to HR Derby seeking revenge". MLB.com. Retrieved May 20, 2024.
  88. ^ Murphy, Brian (May 3, 2023). "Monthly award winners for April announced". MLB.com. Retrieved November 17, 2023.
  89. ^ Crosby, Lindsay (June 29, 2023). "The Atlanta Braves have 3 starters for the 2023 All-Star Game". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved November 17, 2023.
  90. ^ Harrigan, Thomas (July 3, 2023). "MVP favorites headline monthly awards for June". MLB.com. Retrieved July 4, 2023.
  91. ^ Bowman, Mark (July 4, 2023). "With his 40th stolen base, Acuña makes more history". Albany Herald. Retrieved November 17, 2023.
  92. ^ Burns, Gabriel (July 29, 2023). "Ronald Acuña first in history with 20 homers, 50 stolen bases before August". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. ISSN 1539-7459. Retrieved July 30, 2023.
  93. ^ a b Bowman, Mark (August 31, 2023). "What a day! Acuña gets married, then creates 30-60 club with grand slam". MLB.com. Retrieved September 1, 2023.
  94. ^ a b c "Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. gets married, then hits grand slam to become 1st 30-HR, 60-SB player". ESPN.com. Associated Press. August 31, 2023. Retrieved September 1, 2023.
  95. ^ Bowman, Mark (September 22, 2023). "'My name is alone': Acuña Jr. becomes rarest member of elite 40-40 club". MLB.com. Retrieved September 22, 2023.
  96. ^ Bowman, Mark (September 27, 2023). "Acuña secures MLB's 1st 40-70 season as Braves nab NL's top seed". MLB.com. Retrieved September 28, 2023.
  97. ^ Bowman, Mark (September 30, 2023). "Strider (277 K's), Acuña (73 SBs) set Braves' modern era records". MLB.com. Retrieved May 20, 2024.
  98. ^ Bowman, Mark (September 30, 2023). "'A class by himself': Acuña ties Braves' modern era stolen base mark". MLB.com. Retrieved May 20, 2024.
  99. ^ "Braves tie season record with 307 homers, going deep 3 times in 10-9 loss to Nationals". ESPN.com. Associated Press. October 1, 2023. Retrieved October 1, 2023.
  100. ^ "Rangers haul in Silver Slugger Awards, including team honor". ESPN.com. Reuters. November 9, 2023. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
  101. ^ Murphy, Brian (November 9, 2023). "Power and glory: Here are your 2023 Silver Slugger winners". MLB.com. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
  102. ^ Gonzalez, Alden (November 18, 2023). "Angels' Shohei Ohtani named AL MVP, Braves' Ronald Acuna Jr. wins in NL". ESPN.com. Retrieved November 18, 2023.
  103. ^ Castrovince, Anthony (November 18, 2023). "Unanimous MVPs Shohei, Acuña even make hardware history". MLB.com. Retrieved November 18, 2023.
  104. ^ Casella, Paul (December 16, 2023). "Ohtani, Acuña pad trophy cases with Hank Aaron Awards". MLB.com. Retrieved December 18, 2023.
  105. ^ "Shohei Ohtani, Ronald Acuña Jr. win MLB's Hank Aaron Awards". ESPN.com. Associated Press. December 16, 2023. Retrieved December 18, 2023.
  106. ^ Burkhardt, Molly (December 16, 2023). "Acuña honors Hank while accepting Aaron Award". MLB.com. Retrieved December 18, 2023.
  107. ^ Bowman, Mark (December 16, 2023). "5 Braves earn All-MLB honors after 104-win season". MLB.com. Retrieved December 18, 2023.
  108. ^ Burns, Gabriel (April 23, 2024). "Another record night for Acuña, who didn't know he was on brink of history". The Atlanta Journal Constitution. Retrieved May 20, 2024.
  109. ^ Bowman, Mark (May 26, 2024). "Acuña has torn ACL, will miss rest of season". MLB. Retrieved May 26, 2024.
  110. ^ "Ronald Acuña Jr. 2024 Batting Game Logs". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  111. ^ a b "MLB Tonight: Acuna's Skillsets". YouTube.com. MLB Network. September 10, 2019. Retrieved September 10, 2019.
  112. ^ Boor, William (November 18, 2017). "Acuna feeds off family, flourishes in Fall League". MLB.com. Archived from the original on November 18, 2017. Retrieved November 19, 2017.
  113. ^ "Cassel Gets Win As U.S. Defeats Venezuela, 7-4 in World Cup/Pan Am Games". UC Irvine Anteaters Athletics. October 14, 2010. Retrieved December 31, 2019.
  114. ^ Hill, Jordan D. (July 2, 2018). "Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna's brother agrees to a contract with this team". Ledger Enquirer. Retrieved July 20, 2018.
  115. ^ Gonzalez, Alden (May 26, 2023). "Inside Ronald Acuna Jr.'s return to MVP form". ESPN.com. Retrieved May 28, 2023.
  116. ^ Sanchez, Jesse (April 12, 2018). "Familiar names within 2018 international class". MLB.com. Retrieved April 26, 2018.
  117. ^ Thornburg, Chad (April 25, 2018). "5 things you need to know about Acuna". MLB.com. Retrieved April 26, 2018.
  118. ^ Gonzalez, Alden (August 31, 2023). "Braves' Ronald Acuña ties knot, becomes MLB's 1st 30-60 player". ESPN.com. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
[edit]
Awards and achievements
Preceded by National League Player of the Month
April 2021
Succeeded by