Can Ronald Acuna Jr. become the first Atlanta Braves Home Run Derby winner?
Ronald Acuna, Jr. has been pretty impressive with the bat in 2019.
His 21 home runs are good for second on a very powerful Braves lineup, and 11th in the National League.
His wRC+ of 129 is very good and also among the top 20 in the NL.
But perhaps most noteworthy for an event like the Home Run Derby – baseball’s showcase event for its top sluggers – is that Acuna is one of the game’s most likable rising young stars.
He’s putting up all the numbers he has, and he’s still only 21 years old
He plays the game with a rabid enthusiasm that you’d expect from a 12-year old, reminding all those who see it that baseball – first and foremost – should be fun.
He’s other-worldly talented, as evident by his ability to crush a baseball. Baseballsavant notes that Acuna’s average exit velocity ranks in the 85th percentile among Major League hitters, while his hard-hit percentage is even better at the 92nd percentile – both factors that would play very well in the Home Run Derby.
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So can he do it? Can he become the first Brave to bring home the Derby trophy?
If so, then wonderful! Braves fans get to feel excitement over history being made and having even more of a reason to get hyped about their young star.
If not, it doesn’t change the promise of his young career, and Acuna (and the Atlanta Braves) certainly have far bigger goals in mind for 2019.
But it sure would be sweet to see a Brave take home the hardware.
To answer the proposed question, Acuna certainly has the pop to win a Home Run Derby, whether it be this year or in the future.
But the field is stacked with big-time power hitters this year, and Progressive Field plays better to left-handed hitters. That really favors Acuna’s first-round opponent in Josh Bell, as well as Joc Pederson from the other side of the bracket.
Next. 1st half stats, 2nd half improvements. dark
However, we all know Acuna is capable of hitting it out anywhere, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him bring Atlanta their first Home Run Derby title on Monday night.