The 2023 NL MVP has been impressive on defense too
Acuña has been lighting up Venezuelan league pitching, but he hasn't left it all at the plate. In addition to his excellent offensive work, the Braves RF has also made some spectacular plays in the field.
Ronald Acuña Jr contra Cardenales batea para .250 con una impulsada.#LVBP #Beisbol #Tiburones #Venezuela #MVP pic.twitter.com/n07IP8BjbV
— BeisbolPlay (@beisbolplaycom) December 7, 2023
Ronald also made this incredible throw from right to nab a runner at the plate.
🥵🥵🥵
— Tiburones Report (@TiburonesReport) December 10, 2023
Tablazos, robos de bases y ahora el brazalete.
MVP🇻🇪🤷🏻♂️👏🏻
🎥: @beisbolplaycom #TiburonesReport
pic.twitter.com/kXbHIOLR1A
Tiburones hasn't just used Ronald in RF. In a November game, they put him in CF, where he made this running grab at the wall.
Ronald Acuña Jr se lució a la defensiva y ofensiva anoche contra Águilas 🔥🦈
— BeisbolPlay (@beisbolplaycom) November 24, 2023
Video: IVC#LVBP #Beisbol #Tiburones #LaGuaira #Venezuela pic.twitter.com/hjsvBSfu2C
If you couldn't tell from his offensive stats, it's apparent when you watch him on defense: Ronald Acuña Jr. is not taking it easy in the winter leagues.
MLB teams should be scared
Believe it or not, despite having a historic season, Ronald Acuña Jr. underperformed his expected stats. Acuña's .341 AVG and .596 SLG were well below his .357 xBA and .660 xSLG.
Last year, Ronnie was excellent in Venezuela as well, but he did not hit for anywhere near as much power. He only hit two homers in his 10 games last year. Acuña Jr. has carried over the power surge he had in the final month of the MLB season to the LVBP. If he continues launching balls out of the park like has, 2024 could be a scary year for pitchers.