Braves move Acuna from Double-A Mississippi to Triple-A Gwinnett
After playing nine innings in the Futures game, as well as adding a mammoth home run and another three hits in his second and third games after the break, the Atlanta Braves have wasted no time in promoting outfield prospect Ronald Acuna to Triple-A Gwinnett.
Starting the year off in High-A for the Florida Fire Frogs, it has only taken 85 games for the 19-year-old Venezuelan outfielder to climb up to the Triple-A level. Through those 85 games between High-A and Double-A Mississippi, Acuna has posted a .313 average, 33 stolen bases, and 12 home runs.
Often compared to former Atlanta Brave Andruw Jones, Acuna has made his fast rise in part to his all-around skill.
His combination of speed and power has been evident by his stats, but his ability to play all positions in the outfield with ease has also garnered much attention. Not only do the two have similar skill sets, but it must be noted that Jones made his fast debut for Atlanta at the young age of 19 years old…the same age as Acuna.
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Not only do the two have similar skill sets, but it must be noted that Jones made his fast debut for Atlanta at the young age of 19-years-old…the same age as Acuna.
The fast rise has definitely turned heads this season. Acuna started out the season ranked as one of the top 100 prospects in baseball, by most, but has made a substantial rise. He’s even jumped from #62 to #10 by Baseball America this past week.
Acuna has also been mentioned as the Braves top prospect. His possibility to be a 20/30 player at the big-league level has caught the eye of many.
If Acuna continues to tear up the minors, it shouldn’t be long until he reaches the majors.
While it isn’t out of the reach to see Acuna in Atlanta in a couple of weeks, it would take a change to the outfield, via injury or trade, and a red-hot July/August for that to happen. Though he could be brought up in September when rosters expand.
It’s more likely that Acuna makes his major league debut in 2018, if the Braves are fighting late for a playoff spot this season, they will most definitely call up a player who can help them in any way possible.
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Paired with Albies and Allard, and many other potential prospects, the Braves farm system remains one of the best, and Acuna seems to only continue to make the organization look better.