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 debuted in the major leagues in 2018. Acuña quickly made an impact, earning the National League Rookie of the Year Award in his debut season. He is known for his exceptional speed, power hitting, and overall athleticism.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1920: Youngest Player Accomplishment

Acuña's home run streak made him the youngest player since 1920 to accomplish the feat of hitting a home run in four straight games.

1966: Braves Moved to Atlanta

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.

1991: José Escobar plays for the Cleveland Indians

In 1991, José Escobar, an uncle of Ronald Acuña Jr., played for the Cleveland Indians, contributing to the family's rich history in Major League Baseball.

1991: Broke Steals Record

On September 30, 2023, Acuña broke the Braves' modern-era steals record set by Otis Nixon in 1991.

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., Ronald Acuña Jr.'s father, represented Venezuela at the Pan American Games, showcasing the family's deep involvement in baseball.

July 2014: Signed as an International Free Agent

In July 2014, Acuña signed with the Atlanta Braves for $100,000 as an international free agent.

2014: Signed with the Atlanta Braves

In 2014, Acuña signed with the Atlanta Braves as an international free agent.

2015: Professional Debut

In 2015, Acuña made his professional debut with the Gulf Coast Braves and was promoted to the Danville Braves that season.

2016: Time with Gulf Coast Braves and Rome Braves

In 2016, Acuña played for the Gulf Coast Braves and Rome Braves, with an injury impacting his time. After the season, he played for the Melbourne Aces of the Australian Baseball League and was named an ABL All-Star.

2017: Arizona Fall League Championship and MVP

After the 2017 minor league regular season, Acuña joined the Arizona Fall League. He won the league championship and claimed league MVP honors, becoming the AFL's youngest most valuable player.

2017: Grapefruit League and Minor League Promotions

In 2017, Acuña made appearances in Grapefruit League games and started the year with the Florida Fire Frogs, later being promoted to the Mississippi Braves. He was named to the All-Star Futures Game roster and played for the Gwinnett Braves, hitting .325 with 21 homers and 44 stolen bases for the year.

2017: First Player since 2017

On July 29, 2023, Acuña stole his 50th base, becoming the first player since 2017 to reach the mark.

March 19, 2018: Reassigned to Minor League Camp

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

April 25, 2018: Major League Debut

On April 25, 2018, Acuña was promoted to the major leagues by the Braves, becoming the youngest player in Major League Baseball at that time. He collected his first career hit against the Cincinnati Reds.

August 13, 2018: 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. He had also hit a home run in his last four games.

September 22, 2018: 25-15 Season

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

2018: MLB Debut and Rookie of the Year

In 2018, Acuña made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut and won the National League Rookie of the Year Award.

2018: MLB All-Star and Silver Slugger Awards

Since 2018, Acuña has made multiple MLB All-Star team appearances, won several Silver Slugger Awards, and led the league in stolen bases.

April 2, 2019: Contract Extension

On April 2, 2019, Acuña and the Braves agreed to an eight-year contract worth $100 million, including team options for the 2027 and 2028 seasons. He became the youngest player in baseball history to sign a contract worth at least $100 million.

June 2019: All-Star Game Selection

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

2019: 30-30 and 40-30 Club

During the 2019 season, Acuña joined the 30–30 club and became the youngest major leaguer to enter the 40–30 club. He reported a minor injury near the end of the season.

2019: Silver Slugger Award

For the year 2019, Acuña had a successful season, leading the National League in runs and stolen bases. He and teammates Ozzie Albies and Freddie Freeman won the 2019 National League Silver Slugger Awards.

2019: Joined 30-30 Club for the Second Time

On August 31, 2023, Acuña joined the 30-30 club for the second time in his career (2019) by hitting a grand slam for his 30th home run of the season.

2020: Freddie Freeman wins Hank Aaron Award

Acuña was the first Brave to win the Hank Aaron Award since Freddie Freeman in 2020.

2020: Division Title and Silver Slugger Award

During the 2020 season shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Braves won the division for the third time in a row. Acuña hit a 495-foot home run and won his second consecutive Silver Slugger Award.

July 10, 2021: Season-Ending Injury

On July 10, 2021, Acuña suffered a leg injury, later found to be a complete tear in his right ACL, which prematurely ended his 2021 season.

July 11, 2022: Home Run Derby Participation

On July 11, 2022, it was announced that Acuña would participate in the 2022 Home Run Derby.

January 2023: Acuña announces engagement to Maria Laborde

In January 2023, Ronald Acuña Jr. and Maria Laborde announced their engagement, signifying a new chapter in their four-year relationship.

July 3, 2023: First in 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.

August 31, 2023: Acuña marries Maria Laborde

On August 31, 2023, Ronald Acuña Jr. married Maria Laborde, marking a significant personal milestone. The couple had been together for four years before tying the knot.

2023: Most Valuable Player Award and Hank Aaron Award

Acuña finished the regular season with leading statistics in several categories and received the 2023 National League Silver Slugger Award and the National League Most Valuable Player Award. Acuña also won the Hank Aaron Award for the NL.

2023: 40-40 Club and MVP Award

During the 2023 season, Acuña became a member of the 40–40 club, set a franchise record in stolen bases, and became the first MLB player to accomplish a 40–70 season. Acuña won the 2023 National League Most Valuable Player Award.

2023: NL Player of the Month and All-Star Game Selection

In 2023, Acuña was named the NL Player of the Month for April and June. For the second year in a row, Acuña received the most votes of any player in the National League and thus was designated a starting outfielder for the 2023 Major League Baseball All-Star Game.

April 22, 2024: Franchise Record in Steals

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 Acuña's season

On May 26, 2024, Ronald Acuña Jr. sustained a complete tear in his left anterior cruciate ligament while taking a lead 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 RBI, and 16 stolen bases.

May 23, 2025: Acuña returns and hits a home run

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