Ronald Acuña Jr. has established himself as one of baseball's best as he won his first MVP award in 2023 after accomplishing the first-ever 40/70 season, impressing baseball fans all over the world.
Acuña received his award on Saturday evening during the BBWAA Dinner in New York City. This is an annual dinner put on by the Baseball Writers' Association of America to hand out awards to players whose excellence during the 2023 regular season gained National recognition.
This includes AL and NL MVP, Rookie of the Year, Cy Young Awards, and more.
Shohei Ohtani and Ronald Acuña Jr. were selected as the winners for MVP in 2023, both unanimously. This is the second time that they've won an award in the same year as well. Back in 2018, Acuña and Ohtani were awarded Rookie of the Year.
Shohei Ohtani was honored for his incredible year with the Angels. His tenure with the Angels ended this offseason as he signed a historic 10-year, $700 million deal with the Dodgers. Ohtani thanked the Angels organization and his teammates for always believing in him.
Ronald Acuña Jr. also got the opportunity to give a speech on his 2023 season and what it meant to him. He started by thanking them for giving "A kid from La Sabana's dreams come true." Ronald also congratulated his fellow award winners on a great season.
El MVP de la Liga Nacional, Ronald Acuña Jr. aceptando su premio en la cena de la BBWAA. pic.twitter.com/6R4yLSrcak
— MLB Venezuela (@MLBVenezuela) January 28, 2024
However, he also issued a warning to the rest of the league stating "I’m just getting started with what I can do in this sport,” He continued: “I’m feeling stronger, faster, and healthier than ever.”
Braves fans know that 40/70 was just the start of things to come from their superstar slugger. He is in the prime of his career and has his sights set on further history. It's not out of the realm of possibility that Ronald could have a season including 50 HR and 70 RBI.
Acuña Jr. is brother of the year after wholesome Ohtani moment
After the awards ceremony, Acuña decided he'd earn himself another award. This one is of the personal variety. He leaned over to Ohtani seeming to ask him a question to which Shohei nodded yes.
Ronald motioned to the crowd for someone to come up to the stage and it was his brother Luis Angel, who is part of the Mets organization. Apparently, Luis wanted a photo with the American League MVP. Then again, who wouldn't?
Ronald Acuña Jr. asking Shohei Ohtani for a photo with his brother Luis Angel Acuña
— 大谷翔平 ¹⁷ Ohtani Shohei ¹⁷ 😎 (@shoheisaveus) January 28, 2024
©️ video shinsukehandyman pic.twitter.com/bBuVxeRB0H
If that doesn't win him the Brother of the Year award, I don't know what will. It was an extremely wholesome moment and showed deep down, that professional baseball players are fans of the game too.
Seeing Acuña recognized for his hard work in 2023 was wonderful as he worked hard to return to form after what seemed like a disaster in 2021. However, seeing him look out for his family will always be more impressive.
A full recap of the BBWAA Dinner and award winners can be found here.