Atlanta Braves' Ronald Acuna Jr. On Pace to Join Exclusive Club in Baseball History

Atlanta Braves superstar Ronald Acuna Jr. is vying to become only the third player in baseball history to accomplish this power/speed combination.

Despite all the early season injuries (Max Fried, Kyle Wright, Ian Anderson, Raisel Iglesias, Travis D'Arnaud, Michael Harris II, and Orlando Arcia), the Atlanta Braves are rolling in the National League East.

The Braves are six games up on the second place Miami Marlins heading into a weekend series with the Baltimore Orioles.

One of the main reasons why the Braves have been able to withstand all the injuries is the play of outfielder Ronald Acuna.

Acuna is one of the top players in baseball and is on a truly historic place in the power-speed department.

Per Braves Insider Grant McAuley:

"Only two players in MLB history have hit 30 home runs and stolen 50 bases in the same season: #Reds Eric Davis, 1987 #Pirates Barry Bonds, 1990 #Braves Ronald Acuña Jr. is on pace for 31 HR and 73 SB so far in 2023."

Only two players in MLB history have hit 30 home runs and stolen 50 bases in the same season:#Reds Eric Davis, 1987#Pirates Barry Bonds, 1990#Braves Ronald Acuña Jr. is on pace for 31 HR and 73 SB so far in 2023. pic.twitter.com/3yVCDYSpMB

— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) May 4, 2023

Health will be a major factor in whether or not Acuna Jr. can join this exclusive club, but his knee looks fully recovered from the Torn ACL that cost him part of both 2021 and 2022. There was mild concern on Thursday after Acuna left the game against the Marlins after fouling a ball off his knee but reports afterwards indicated he would be fine.

Acuna is currently hitting .355 with six home runs, 20 RBI and 15 stolen bases. He has an OPS of 1.034. He is second in baseball in average, behind only Luis Arraez of the Marlins (.424). He leads baseball in stolen bases and in runs scored (29).

For his career, he's a .282 hitter with 126 home runs and 316 RBI. He's added 122 steals as well.

He debuted in 2018 and was named a National League all-star in 2019 2021 and 2022.

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