Atlanta Braves All-Star and MVP Projected For More Baseball History in 2024
In this story:
Atlanta Braves superstar Ronald Acuna Jr. had an incredible season in 2023, winning the MVP Award in the National League after hitting an unprecedented .337 with 41 homers, 106 RBI and 73 stolen bases.
And according to Sarah Langs of MLB.com, Acuna Jr. is primed for even more history in 2024. Langs looked at the Fangraphs Steamer projections, which have Acuna down for 38 homers and 56 steals.
Last season, Acuña created the 40-70 club, with 41 home runs and 73 stolen bases. Projection systems are notoriously conservative, so don’t be surprised that this projection doesn’t include another 70-plus bags. T
here have been just three individual seasons in MLB history with at least 30 homers and 50 stolen bases, with 1987 Eric Davis and 1990 Barry Bonds on that list with Acuña. With his projected numbers, Acuña would be the first player with multiple 30-50 seasons. He’d also be the first player with three 30-30 seasons through his age-26 season.
And, if he were to manage two more homers than this projection, Acuña could be the first player with multiple 40-40 seasons as well.
Acuna Jr. is just 26 years old and is already a four-time All-Star, a three-time Silver Slugger, a Rookie of the Year and an MVP winner. He also was part of the Braves' 2021 World Series roster.
Lifetime, he's a .292 hitter with 161 homers and 180 stolen bases. He helped the Braves win the National League East for the second straight year in 2023, and they'll be favorites in 2024.
Follow Fastball on FanNation on social media
Continue to follow our Fastball on FanNation coverage on social media by LIKING us on Facebook and by following us on Twitter @FastballFN.
