There’s been no player off to a hotter start to the 2023 MLB season than Atlanta’s Ronald Acuña Jr. After injuries forced him to miss 123 games over the past two years, the 25-year-old has been on a tear to begin the season. Yet still, somehow, opponents apparently need a reminder to keep their eyes on him.
During the fifth inning of Monday night’s game against the Dodgers, Acuña led off with a walk, then headed to second when first baseman Matt Olson also drew a free pass. As Los Angeles pitcher Gavin Stone received the ball back from catcher Will Smith, third baseman Max Muncy casually strolled around the left side of the diamond with his back to the infield. That was all the edge Acuña needed to hit the gas and keep on running for third.
Keep your 👀 on @RonaldAcunaJr24 at all times! pic.twitter.com/gsa2zvHLq9
— MLB (@MLB) May 23, 2023
That bit of trickery gave Acuña his National League-leading 19th stolen base of the season, and certainly is most unusual. Entering play Monday, Acuña led the majors in runs (44), the NL in hits (62) and had a career-best 1.031 OPS.
Acuña has long been considered one of the most talented players in the league, and has already accomplished so much at such a young age: he won the NL Rookie of the Year award at age 20, has made three All-Star teams and already has a World Series ring. At this pace, he seems poised to add even more hardware to his collection in 2023—even if he’s unlikely to catch opponents sleeping much going forward.
