Ronald Acuña Jr. had one of the most historic seasons in MLB history, which resulted in being unanimously voted as the 2023 National League MVP over Los Angeles Dodgers stars Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman.
Acuña made his MLB debut for the Atlanta Braves in 2018 and spent four seasons as teammates with Freeman, forming one of the most talented duos in baseball.
The Braves’ All-Star outfielder took another step forward this year, becoming the first player in history to have a 40-50 season as he finished the year with 41 home runs and 73 stolen bases.
Although the two are no longer playing on the same team, Freeman was still happy to see what Acuña was able to accomplish, he said via SportsNet LA:
“Yeah, pretty special and to be able to be in L.A. and witness him doing something that no one’s ever done. That was pretty cool. I think I said it about three or four years ago, he was going to win an MVP, but I think it might be more than one he’s going to win in his career because it’s a special player. It’s fun to watch and we get to play at the same time as him and we’re going to get to watch that for a long time.”
While playing at Dodger Stadium earlier in the season, Acuña hit a grand slam that put him in the record books as the only player with 30 home runs and 60 stolen bases in one season.
The following day, Freeman delivered a base to Acuña to commemorate the accomplishment.
“We wanted to give you the base so you’ll always remember the day you did it,” Freeman said in a video shared by the Braves. “And I wanted to be the one who gave it to you. Congratulations. That is awesome. Forever one of one.”
Acuña concluded the season batting .337/.416/.596 with 35 doubles, 106 RBI, 149 runs scored and a 170 wRC+.
Freddie Freeman nominated for All-MLB Team
Freeman is among the Dodgers nominees for the 2023 All-MLB Team, joining Betts, Clayton Kershaw, J.D. Martinez, Evan Phillips and Will Smith.
Fans are able to vote through Sunday, November 19, at 5 p.m. PT at MLB.com/allmlb.
Selections to the All-MLB Teams will comprise of 50% fan vote and 50% baseball media panel voting. The winners will be announced Saturday, December 16, on MLB Network.
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