If you regularly follow baseball, you will be hard-pressed to name a more exciting player than Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr.
He can hit for average, he has enormous power, he can work a walk, and he can fly on the basepaths, all after undergoing serious knee surgery in 2021.
He has been having the best season of his career from a statistical standpoint, but we will get there in a minute.
Acuna is a player with unique awareness of every situation in the game, and he uses this to his advantage.
Take a play from Monday’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, for example.
Here is the video:
Acuña steals third base… On a walk?
(via @BravesOnBally)pic.twitter.com/xdMqu39rlm
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) May 23, 2023
He stole third base… on a walk!
For those with some doubts about the play: yes, it can be done.
He was at first base when the hitter behind him worked a walk.
He jogged to second base, but when he saw third baseman Max Muncy closer to shortstop than to his base, he went for it.
By the time Muncy noticed, Acuna was already sliding at third base.
It was an exciting play by an exciting player.
Acuna already has 2.7 Wins Above Replacement and we haven’t even completed two months of the season yet.
He seems primed for his first MVP award, as he is hitting .342/.430/.598 with 11 home runs and 19 stolen bases.
He has also scored an incredible 46 runs so far, in 47 games.
There hasn’t been any doubts so far: Acuna has been the best and most impressive player in the National League.
NEXT:
The Braves Remain Heavy Favorites In Key Category
