The last week at Braves camp has been a Ronald Acuña Jr. love fest — and for good reason.
Home runs in three of the last five games have made that 1-for-14 start a distant memory, not that anyone was concerning themselves with a spring slump, but it’s a reminder, as manager Brian Snitker said, why “he’s one of those guys that you don’t want to get a beer or go to the bathroom when he’s up.”
A year removed from a 40/40 pursuit that came up three stolen bases short, Acuña is on everyone’s MVP shortlist, and a run at the National League’s top award feels like the fitting next step in his career trajectory after three straight seasons of averaging 142 wRC+ and 3.