Atlanta Braves News: 2 Records Ronald Acuna Jr. Can Claim in Final Weekend
Ronald Acuna Jr. has re-written the record books already this season by becoming the first player to ever hit 40 homers and steal 70 bases in a season. Now he has a chance to claim two more records this weekend, including a new one set just days ago.
By Seth Carter
The Atlanta Braves star right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. has re-written the record books this season. One of the most prolific leadoff hitters the game has ever seen became just the fifth player to join the 40-homer, 40-steal club.
He became just the third player to ever join the 30-homer, 50-steal club, a feat only reached by Eric Davis and Barry Bonds. And now he is the only player in the history of the entire world to reach 40 homers and 70 steals in a single season.
Ronald Acuna Jr. One Steal Away From New Franchise Record
Last night, Ronald Acuna Jr. added to the accolades by swiping his 71st and 72nd stolen bases of the season, tying Otis Nixon's franchise record. Acuna needs just one more artistic piece of thievery claim yet another crown. His 73rd steal will be the new Atlanta Braves franchise record.
Braves Acuna has Chance to Steal Betts's New Record
But Ronald, don't stop there! Let's rain on Mookie Betts' parade while we are at it. Last Saturday, Mookie Betts set the single-season RBI record for a leadoff hitter when he drove in his 105th RBI of the year. He claimed the record from the Rockies' Charlie Blackmon set in 2017. Blackmon had 104 RBI that year from the top spot in the lineup.
At the time Mookie set the new mark, Acuna was right behind him. As we enter the final weekend of the season, Acuna Jr. and Betts are now tied with 106 RBI in a race to set yet another record.
For a moment, Betts had somehow emerged as a candidate who could legitimately surpass Acuna Jr. in MVP voting. Those murmurs didn't last very long as Acuna turned on the jets and cemented himself as the rightful owner of the 2023 National League MVP.
Not only has Acuna jerked the MVP from Betts' grasp, but he also has the chance to claim the leadoff RBI record which Betts held for all of one week until Acuna tied him last night.
RELATED: 8 Reasons Acuna Will Win MVP Over Betts
Recap of Reasons to Watch Acuna and Braves This Weekend
Ronald Acuna Jr. needs just one more steal to stand alone at the top as the single-season record holder for most steals in a season.
Ronald Acuna Jr. needs to finish with more RBIs than Mookie Betts over the weekend to set the record for most RBIs by a leadoff hitter in a season. They are currently tied at 106.
So, don't make any plans other than Braves baseball. What better way to get hyped for the postseason?
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