Atlanta Braves: Let’s compare Ronald Acuna to Mike Trout

Acuna must prove himself to the Atlanta Braves

Ronald Acuna will have to perform with the Atlanta Braves in the big leagues before we can begin to consider him on the same level as Mike Trout, but according to the minor league track record, it at least appears possible.

Acuna is at the same age and stage of his career that Trout was before his amazing 2012 rookie campaign. Both players were 20 years old to begin their rookie seasons, and like Trout, Acuna will enter his rookie season as one of the most heralded prospects in the game. Trout was the number one prospect in baseball heading into the 2012 season according to MLB Pipeline. Acuna will enter the 2018 season as the number 2 prospect only behind a two-way star, Shohei Ohtani. Even Trout’s prospect scouting report evokes the same image as Acuna’s. This is from Mike Trout‘s MLB Pipeline scouting report before the 2012 season:

"Trout has pretty much every tool in the box. It starts with his plus, plus speed, which allowed him to swipe 56 bases in his first full season and to play an outstanding center field. His pure hitting ability is a plus as well, wise beyond his years in terms of plate discipline and pitch recognition. While he hit just 10 homers in 2010, he did slug .490 for the year and should add more power as he matures. He has a solid, albeit unspectacular throwing arm, though he’s always on the money. His makeup and work ethic are off the charts."

And this is Ronald Acuna‘s report from MLB Pipeline this offseason:

"It’s hard to find a flaw in Acuna’s game. He has a buggy whip of a swing and ultra-fast hands that allow him to make hard contact to all fields. His power started showing up, and then some, in 2017, and seeing his 21 homers be a low mark in his career does not sound outlandish. While he did strike out a bit, his K rate did go down each time he moved up the Braves’ ladder, with an advanced approach especially given his age. He can flat-out fly, allowing him to make 40-plus steals an annual projection, especially as he gets better at reading pitchers and cutting down his caught stealing rate. That speed works for him in the outfield as well, where he has the range for center and the arm for right field."

Both of these reports sound very similar. They both describe an uber-athletic center field prospect with tons of speed, power and hitting ability. Trout may have had a tick more speed at the same age, while Acuna seems to have more raw power. The most significant differences seem to be that Trout had a more advanced approach at the plate while Acuna has a much stronger throwing arm allowing him to play right field if needed.