The Atlanta Braves are playing the Philadelphia Phillies on Opening Day.
It’s an exciting matchup with a lot of recent history: the Braves won the 2021 World Series, but the Phillies eliminated them from the 2022 and 2023 postseasons.
Ronald Acuna Jr., the reigning NL MVP, is one of Atlanta’s best players.
He homered 41 times last year and stole 73 bases, becoming the founding member of the 40-70 club.
If Opening Day is any indication, the dynamic outfielder is eager to achieve more things in 2024.
“@ronaldacunajr24 swipes his first bag of the year!” MLB tweeted, with a video of the play.
.@ronaldacunajr24 swipes his first bag of the year! 💨 pic.twitter.com/bFqdrr2KzZ
— MLB (@MLB) March 29, 2024
If there were any concerns and fears about Acuna’s knee after his spring training scare, they appear to be in the rearview by now.
He is confident enough in the knee that he is out there making stolen bases attempts (and succeeding) in the first game of the season.
That’s actually a representation of who Acuna is as a player: fearless, determined, and of course, extremely talented.
Repeating last year’s power-speed performance will be extremely tough, but he sure will give it a try.
As long as his Braves are competitive in the postseason, he will surely be happy.
That hasn’t been the case in the last couple of years despite some brilliant play in the regular season.
But team and player are determined to get him to perform to the top of his capabilities in October, when it matters the most.
Knowing how hungry he is as a player, Acuna is probably aiming for a second MVP and World Series ring.
NEXT:
Spencer Strider Finally Receives A Well-Deserved Honor
