History of Ronald Acuña Jr. in Timeline

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

1991: José Escobar Played for Cleveland Indians

In 1991, José Escobar, an uncle to Ronald Acuña Jr., played for the Cleveland Indians.

December 18, 1997: Ronald Acuña Jr. Born

On December 18, 1997, Ronald José Acuña Blanco Jr. was born. He is a Venezuelan professional baseball outfielder.

Others born on this day/year

2011: Acuña Sr. Represents Venezuela

In 2011, Ronald Acuña Sr., the father of Ronald Acuña Jr., represented Venezuela at the Pan American Games.

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.

August 13, 2018: Acuña Hitting Lead-Off Home Runs in Doubleheader

On August 13, 2018, Acuña became the fourth player in MLB history to hit a home run to lead off both games of a doubleheader against the Miami Marlins, also achieving a home run streak in his last four games, making him the youngest player since 1920 to achieve this feat.

September 22, 2018: Acuña Achieves 25-15 Season

On September 22, 2018, with his fifteenth stolen base, Acuña became the fourth player in MLB history to record a 25-home run and 15-stolen base season while aged 20 or below.

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.

January 2023: Engagement Announcement

In January 2023, Ronald Acuña Jr. and Maria Laborde announced their engagement.

July 3, 2023: Acuña Makes MLB History

On July 3, 2023, Acuña became the first player in MLB history to tally 40 stolen bases, 20 home runs, and 50 RBIs before the All-Star break, marking a significant milestone in his career.

August 31, 2023: Acuña Married Maria Laborde

On August 31, 2023, Ronald Acuña Jr. married Maria Laborde, with whom he had been in a relationship for four years.

April 22, 2024: Acuña Sets Franchise Record

On April 22, 2024, Acuña recorded his 190th career stolen base, setting a franchise record in steals since the Braves moved to Atlanta in 1966.

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.