Career Timeline of Ronald Acuña Jr.: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Ronald Acuña Jr. made an impact.

Ronald Acuña Jr. is a Venezuelan professional baseball outfielder currently playing for the Atlanta Braves in MLB. He signed with the Braves in 2014 as an international free agent and made his major league debut in 2018. Acuña quickly established himself as a prominent player, earning the National League Rookie of the Year Award in his debut season.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

July 2014: Acuña Signed with the Atlanta Braves

In July 2014, Acuña signed with the Atlanta Braves for $100,000 as an international free agent, marking the beginning of his professional baseball career with the team.

March 19, 2018: Acuña Reassigned to Minor League Camp

Despite a strong performance with a .432 average and four home runs in spring training, on March 19, 2018, Acuña was reassigned to minor league camp and reported to the Gwinnett Stripers to begin the 2018 season.

April 25, 2018: Acuña Promoted to Major Leagues

On April 25, 2018, the Braves promoted Acuña to the major leagues, making him the youngest player in Major League Baseball at the time. He made his debut wearing number 13 and collected his first career hit against the Cincinnati Reds.

April 2, 2019: Acuña Agrees to Eight-Year Contract

On April 2, 2019, Acuña and the Braves agreed to an eight-year contract worth $100 million, making him the youngest player in baseball history to sign a contract of that value.

June 2019: Acuña Draws Attention for Power Production

By June 2019, Acuña had drawn significant attention for his power production in baseball. He was named a starting outfielder for the National League in the 2019 Major League Baseball All-Star Game and invited to participate in the Home Run Derby.

July 11, 2022: Acuña Participates in Home Run Derby

On July 11, 2022, it was announced that Acuña would participate in the 2022 Home Run Derby, marking another significant event in his baseball career.

2024: Leg Injury Ends Season

On May 26, 2024, Ronald Acuña Jr. sustained a complete tear in his left anterior cruciate ligament while taking a lead from second base against the Pittsburgh Pirates, prematurely ending his 2024 season. Up to that point, he had played 49 games, achieving a batting line of .250/.351/.365 with 4 home runs, 15 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases.

May 23, 2025: Acuña Returns and Hits Home Run

On May 23, 2025, Ronald Acuña Jr. made his return to the field and hit a home run on the first pitch against San Diego Padres pitcher Nick Pivetta. During the game, he went 2-for-4 with the home run, an RBI, and recorded an outfield assist by getting Elías Díaz out at second base.