Arizona Fall League: Peoria Javelinas Prospect Report

Arizona Fall League to MLB Opening Day: Ronald Acuna (ATL)

Stats: .323 AVG, 21 R, 5 HR, 12 RBI, 8 BB, 2 SB

There may be a debate, but Atlanta Braves’ prospect Ronald Acuna had one of the best campaigns by a MiLB hitter this year.

And, that’s not accounting the fact that the Venezuelan is UNDER twenty years old.

Acuna, following a campaign in which he hit .325 with 21 home runs, 82 RBIs and 44 stolen bases between High-A Florida, Double-A Mississippi and Triple-A Gwinnett, has overmatched opposing AFL pitchers while building a case for the Joe Black MVP Award.

Acuna has exploded during his last nine games, hitting all five of his AFL-leading home runs after October 24. During the surge, MLB.com‘s fifth overall prospect is batting .351 with 9 RBIs. Yet, that’s not all. Two of his home runs came against Pirates’ top pitching prospect Mitch Keller and former Minnesota Twins’ top draft pick Tyler Jay. 

Many claim Acuna is a legitimate five-tool player, as his statistics indicate. But, that does not mean there is no room for improvement. The future Braves’ center fielder can improve his plate discipline; Acuna struck out in 23.5 percent of his plate appearances in 2017 and currently sits at a strikeout percentage of 24.7 in Arizona.

Regardless, his time at SunTrust Park is rapidly approaching — so much so that the only question is whether Acuna or 20-year old sensation Ozzie Albies will bat leadoff.

If you ask most Braves’ fans, they don’t have a preference as long as both are mainstays at the top of the lineup for many years to come.