There is no question that Ronald Acuna Jr. is the best leadoff hitter in the game. He has combined power and speed in a way that has not been seen since the days of Rickey Henderson as he has become a key catalyst for the Atlanta Braves. Given his power and ability on the basepaths, a 40 homer/40 stolen base season may be in the making.
But Acuna wants more than to be a part of the 40-40 club. He has his sights set on raising that bar even higher, and becoming the founder of the 50-50 club.
Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuna Jr. looking to establish 50-50 club
Acuna came tantalizingly close to becoming the fifth member of the 40-40 club in 2019. The young outfielder belted 41 homers and led the National League with 37 steals that season, doing so as a 21 year old. Considering that was also his second season in the majors, his showing that year was all the more impressive.
Considering how Acuna has been swinging the bat this season, he could eclipse the 41 homers he hit in 2019. He leads the majors in 11 different categories and metrics entering Friday’s action. His batted ball metrics are in the upper echelon of the league as well, as he ranks in the top five percent in virtually every standard.
While it may be possible that he can reach the 50 homer plateau, the stolen bases may be harder to come by. He has 14 extra base hits thus far in 2021, limiting his ability to steal bases. A few more singles would change that, giving him the chance to take second as needed.
The Braves, meanwhile, certainly are not about to complain about Acuna’s production. He has essentially carried the lineup thus far, as he and Pablo Sandoval‘s pinch hitting exploits have kept the Braves from an even worse start. If he can reach the 50-50 mark, the Braves may need every bit of that to reach the postseason.
Ronald Acuna Jr. has his sights set on being the first member of the 50 homer/50 steal club. With the way he is hitting, he could pull it off.