Ronald José Acuña Jr. (born December 18, 1997; Age: [age]19971218[/age] years) is a highly skilled Venezuelan Major League Baseball (MLB) outfielder currently playing for the Atlanta Braves. As a professional baseball player, Acuña Jr. has firmly established his presence in the sport. His remarkable attributes include exceptional speed, power, and versatile skills, making him a standout performer on the field. With a combination of athleticism and talent, Acuña Jr. has earned recognition for his contributions to the Atlanta Braves and the broader realm of Major League Baseball.
Early Life
Ronald Acuna Jr. was born in Venezuela into a family deeply rooted in baseball. His father, Acuña Sr., briefly experienced the minor leagues, while his mother had no direct ties to the sport. The Acuña lineage boasts a rich history of baseball spanning generations, including notable figures like the accomplished pitcher Cesar Escobar and the unparalleled fielder Alcides Escobar, widely regarded as the best in the world.
Acuña’s formative years were profoundly shaped by the game, becoming an integral part of his upbringing. This familial connection to baseball played a pivotal role in shaping his understanding and passion for the sport. Acuña’s consistent dedication and talent have propelled him to become one of the standout and prolific players in his division, contributing significantly to the essence of the game.
Career
In 2014, as a rising talent in the international baseball scene, Ronald Acuña Jr. signed a noteworthy contract with the Atlanta Braves, securing his journey into professional baseball with a $100,000 deal. His debut in the major leagues happened in 2015 with the Gulf Coast Braves, and later in the season, he joined the Danville Braves.
Unfortunately, a setback occurred in 2016 due to an injury, limiting his play to 42 games across the Gulf Coast Braves and Rome Braves, where he showcased his prowess with four home runs and 19 RBIs. Despite the challenges, Acuña’s skills didn’t go unnoticed, earning him a spot as an ABL All-Star while playing for the Melbourne Aces in the Australian Baseball League.
The turning point came in 2017 when Acuña, initially in the minor league camp, emerged as a standout player in Grapefruit League games. After the minor league regular season, he joined the Arizona Fall League’s Peoria Javelinas, making a significant impact by winning the league MVP award and contributing to the team’s championship victory.
Before the 2018 season, Acuña’s status as a top MLB prospect was solidified by rankings from Baseball America and MLB.com. His journey to the major leagues culminated on April 25, 2018, making him the youngest player in MLB at the time. His outstanding performance, including a historic playoff grand slam, earned him the National League Rookie of the Year title in November 2018.
In 2019, Acuña and the Braves inked an eight-year, $100 million deal, making him the youngest player to sign such a lucrative contract at 21. His electric play continued, earning him recognition in the 2019 MLB Home Run Derby and a starting outfielder position in the All-Star Game.
However, a setback occurred in 2021 when Acuña suffered a leg injury during a fielding attempt. Despite missing the All-Star Game, his contributions were crucial as the Braves clinched the 2021 World Series.
Acuña’s excellence persisted, leading to his selection as the starting outfielder in the 2022 and 2023 MLB All-Star Games, showcasing his consistency and fan popularity.
His notable achievements, including an NL Player of the Month award, highlighted his impact on the game and solidified his status as a key player in Major League Baseball.
Awards & Nominations
- All-Star (4)
- All MLB second team (2)
- Silver Sluggard Award (3)
- NL Stolen Base Award (2)
Personal Life
As the eldest of four sons, Ronald Acuña Jr. inherited a profound love for baseball from his grandfather and father, continuing a family tradition that runs deep. In 2011, Acuña Sr. contributed to the family’s baseball legacy by participating in the Pan-American games, proudly representing Venezuela.
His mother, Leonelis Blanco, is a steadfast supporter, while his brother, Luisangel Acuña, pursued a career as a shortstop in the New York Mets organization. The Acuña family has further ties to the baseball world through Jose Escobar, who played in Major League Baseball for the Cleveland Indians in 1991 and remains connected to the Acuña family. Several other cousins have also made their mark in the league, showcasing the family’s lasting impact on the sport.
Beyond the baseball diamond, Ronald Acuña Jr. recently celebrated his marriage to his girlfriend of four years, Maria Laborde. Their family is expanding rapidly with the joyous addition of two sons, creating a legacy that extends well beyond the confines of the field.
Net Worth
Ronald is estimated to be worth around US$11 million as a successful baseball player.
Social Media
- Instagram: @ronaldacunajr13
- Twitter: @ronaldacunajr24