Last season was not Ronald Acuña’s finest as a Brave. In fact, it very likely was his most disappointing one. That’s a funny statement to type out when I realize Acuña was still an all star starter and everyday leadoff guy for a team that won 101 games. However, we all know Ronald wasn’t his normal self, due to recovery from his 2021 torn ACL.
For a guy that was subject to debates about Mark Canha (yes, you read that correctly), Acuña has taken 2023 by the horns and been the best player in the National League, and maybe even baseball. Acuña won the Player of the Month award for April and seems poised to do so again in May with an even better performance.
In the month of May, Ronald has gone yard seven times and stolen five bags, putting him on pace to be the first member of the 40/60 club in MLB history. On top of this, Acuña has a May batting average of .333 and is slugging at a .733 slugging clip.
It’s amazing how much Ronald Acuña continues to ascend. I think his ACL injury taught him a lot about himself. I also believe that he heard all of the noise this offseason, and he has come to collect. Even on off nights from the Braves offense, it always seems like Acuña is the one to get them going with a big double, or an incredible defensive play. With the team already holding a 4.5 game division lead in May, and Ronald crushing pitches left and right, he is the leading candidate early on for the NL MVP, and likely en route to his second straight POTM award to start off the 2023 campaign.
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Photo: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
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