Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuña has proven this year that he is in the conversation amongst the best players in all of baseball. And he solidified that argument in Thursday’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, doing something that no other player in MLB history has ever done.
Acuña came into Thursday’s game with 29 home runs and a league-leading 61 stolen bases. Another home run would have put him in a club of his own, as no other player has ever recorded 30 home runs and 60 stolen bases in a single season.
The 25-year-old superstar had his moment on in the top of the third inning, coming through with a grand slam off Dodgers pitcher Lance Lynn to make MLB history and give his team a big early lead.
His power and speed combo is something that fans have been preaching about him for years, and fans took notice of this impressive milestone.
GRAND SLAM FOR RONALD ACUÑA JR. TO GIVE HIM THE FIRST 30/60 SEASON IN MLB HISTORY pic.twitter.com/UXPtuSdkOr
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) September 1, 2023
Ronald Acuña Jr. showing up to the 30-60 club pic.twitter.com/uFchrKyE3a
— DraftKings Sportsbook (@DKSportsbook) September 1, 2023
It would be impressive for any player to put up 30 home runs to go along with 60 stolen bases in a season. But the way that Acuña has done so is quite simply unbelievable.
On top of his power and speed numbers, he is also hitting for a .334 batting average and a .416 on-base percentage. He ranks inside the top 3 in all of baseball in those areas.
It appears to be a close race for the National League MVP Award between Acuña and Dodgers star Mookie Betts. This latest accomplishment could help Acuña separate himself from Betts and earn his first NL MVP award.
About Reice Shipley
Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.