Atlanta Braves slugger Ronald Acuna Jr. produced one of the best seasons in baseball history and it appears his colleagues around the league took notice.
Acuna Jr. was already voted as Sporting News' Player of the Year and now adds two more accolades to the trophy case.
Major League Baseball's Players Association announced that Ronald had been voted Player of the Year and NL Outstanding Player for 2023.
This news shouldn't come as a shock to anyone that the Venezuelan slugger is being recognized for one of the best seasons ever witnessed. Acuna finished 2023 with the first 40/50, 40/60, and 40/70 season by any player in Major League Baseball.
Top of the charts. 📈 @ronaldacunajr24 led the league in hits (217), runs (149), stolen bases (73) and HRs from the leadoff spot (41) and set a @Braves record for most stolen bases in a season. As voted by MLB Players, introducing the 2023 #PlayersChoiceAwards Player of the Year! pic.twitter.com/2tZgMnVdMp
— MLBPA (@MLBPA) November 2, 2023
He finished the season with a .337 average including 41 HR, 106 RBI, 73 SB, 80 BB, and 84 K. Ronald led the league in hits (217) and runs scored (149). You cannot ask for a better showing than that from the face of the franchise. His 73 stolen bases also broke the Atlanta franchise record set by Otis Nixon back in 1991.
Players from around MLB recognize just how special of a talent Ronald Acuna Jr. is and that this is just the beginning of everything he can accomplish in his career. He is a once-in-a-generation talent and it's nice to see fans and players alike agreeing with that.
Acuna is heavily favored to win the NL MVP voted on by the BBWAA. He will be in the running against Mookie Betts and former teammate Freddie Freeman. You can make the case for any of those names to win the MVP but it's very hard to ignore Acuna being the favorite.
The MVP awards will be announced later this month on November 16 so we will see soon enough if Acuna Jr. gets the recognition he so deserves. Ronald was also nominated a bit earlier today for a Silver Slugger. That award will be announced on November 9.
Be sure to keep your eyes on House That Hank Built for those announcements.