Ronald Acuna Jr., Braves Standout, Won First NL MVP Trophy
The Venezuelan outfielder for Atlanta is the third to be named MVP
Ronald Acuna Jr. received his first-ever National League MVP award on Thursday, the prize for his historic 2023 season.
Ronald Acuna Jr. was victorious over Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman of the Los Angeles Dodgers in a unanimous vote to win MVP. Based on a fantastic season at the plate, which redefined what a big league hitter can accomplish in a single season, he led the Atlanta Braves to a 104-win regular season.
Setting new records for hitters
Acuna led MLB in hits (217) and runs scored (149) in 2023, hitting at the top of the Braves’ potent order and setting a career-high.337. A late-season explosion in power caused Acuna to tie his career high of 41 home runs, and with 73 stolen bases, he led the Major League in another category.
Acuna broke the previous record of 40 home runs and 40 thefts (the so-called “40-40 Club”) by achieving this, making history as the first player in baseball history to smash 40 home runs and steal 70 bags in a single year. Following five seasons without winning a Silver Slugger, the right fielder was selected an NL All-Star for the fourth time.
Ready for another go at it?
Considering his age of just 25, Acuna has the potential to win several MVP honors in the end.
The Braves are the favorites to win the World Series in 2024, despite the fact that they were eliminated from the postseason this season. There is no reason to believe Atlanta won’t defeat another formidable club in that time.
Several of the Braves’ best players, including Acuna, have long-term contracts with team options for 2027 and 2028 that pay team friendly salaries. Acuna is contracted through 2026.
Ronald Acuna Jr. might finish as the overwhelming favorite to win MVP again the next season, which would be the first time since 2009 that this happened in the National League. If he stays healthy, he should be able to entertain baseball fans for years to come.
