History of Ronald Acuña Jr. in Timeline

Ronald Acuña Jr. is a professional baseball outfielder from Venezuela, currently playing for the Atlanta Braves in MLB. He signed with the Braves in 2014 and made his major league debut in 2018. Acuña quickly rose to prominence, earning the National League Rookie of the Year Award in his debut season. He is known for his exceptional skills and contributions to the Braves.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1920: Youngest Player Since 1920 to Hit Home Runs in Four Straight Games

On August 13, 2018, Acuña became the youngest player since 1920 to hit home runs 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's MLB Debut

In 1991, José Escobar, Ronald Acuña Jr.'s uncle, played for the Cleveland Indians in Major League Baseball.

1991: Broke Braves' Modern-Era Steals Record

On September 30, 2023, Acuña broke the Braves' modern-era steals record set by Otis Nixon in 1991; Nixon had no home runs that season.

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. at Pan American Games

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

July 2014: Signed with the Atlanta Braves

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 and Promotion

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 42 games combined between the Gulf Coast Braves and Rome Braves, batting .312/.392/.429 with four home runs and 19 RBIs. He also played for the Melbourne Aces of the Australian Baseball League and was named an ABL All-Star after the season.

2017: Arizona Fall League Championship and MVP

After the 2017 minor league regular season, Acuña joined the Arizona Fall League (AFL) and played 23 games for the Peoria Javelinas. He won the league championship and was named the AFL's youngest most valuable player.

2017: Grapefruit League, Florida Fire Frogs, Mississippi Braves, All-Star Futures Game, and Gwinnett Braves

In 2017, Acuña made his first appearances in Grapefruit League games, started the year with the Florida Fire Frogs, was promoted to the Mississippi Braves, named to the All-Star Futures Game roster in July, and reported to the Gwinnett Braves after the All-Star break.

2017: First Player Since 2017 to Steal 50 Bases

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 then reported to the Gwinnett Stripers.

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 MLB. He collected his first career hit against the Cincinnati Reds and scored the game-tying run. He wore number 13 after wearing 24 in the minor leagues.

August 13, 2018: Home Runs in Both Games of a 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 also hit a home run in his last four games, becoming the youngest player since 1920 to accomplish the feat.

September 22, 2018: 25-15 Season

On September 22, 2018, Acuña recorded his fifteenth stolen base, becoming 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 Award

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

2018: MLB All-Star Team Appearances, Silver Slugger Awards, and Stolen Bases Leader

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

April 2, 2019: Contract Extension with the Braves

On April 2, 2019, Acuña and the Braves agreed to an eight-year contract extension worth $100 million, including team options for the 2027 and 2028 seasons. At 21, he became the youngest player in baseball history to sign a contract worth at least $100 million.

June 2019: All-Star Game Selection and Home Run Derby Invitation

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, and invited to take part in that year's Home Run Derby.

2019: 30-30 Club and 40-30 Club

During the 2019 season, Acuña hit his 30th home run, joined the 30-30 club on August 24, becoming the second-youngest player to reach the milestone. He then hit his 40th home run on September 19, becoming the youngest major leaguer to enter the 40-30 club.

2019: National League Statistics and Silver Slugger Award

In 2019, Acuña had 127 runs (leading the National League), 41 home runs, and 37 stolen bases (leading the NL). He also won the 2019 National League Silver Slugger Award.

2019: Second Time Joining the 30-30 Club

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. With the home run, he also became the first player in MLB history to record 30 home runs and 60 stolen bases in the same season.

2020: Won the Hank Aaron Award

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

2020: Shortened Season, Home Run Record at Truist Park, and Silver Slugger Award

During the 2020 season shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic, Acuña hit the longest MLB home run of the year at 495 feet, which was also the longest home run ever hit at Truist Park. He was awarded his second consecutive Silver Slugger Award.

July 10, 2021: Leg Injury

On July 10, 2021, Acuña suffered a leg injury while trying to field a fly ball, leading to a complete tear in his right anterior cruciate ligament and prematurely ending his 2021 season.

July 11, 2022: Home Run Derby Participation Announced

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

January 2023: Engagement Announcement

In January 2023, Ronald Acuña Jr. and Maria Laborde announced their engagement. They married later that year on August 31, 2023.

July 3, 2023: First MLB Player with 40 Stolen Bases, 20 Home Runs, and 50 RBIs Before All-Star Break

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: Marriage to Maria Laborde

On August 31, 2023, Ronald Acuña Jr. married Maria Laborde. They had known each other for four years before marrying.

2023: Silver Slugger Award, National League MVP, and Hank Aaron Award

Acuña finished the regular season with a .337 batting average, 41 homers, 106 RBI, 73 steals, 217 hits, 149 runs and 383 total bases, leading Major League Baseball in hits, runs and total bases. He received a 2023 National League Silver Slugger Award, was named the National League Most Valuable Player, and won that year's Hank Aaron Award.

2023: 40-40 Club, Stolen Base Record, 40-70 Season, and MVP Award

During the 2023 season, Acuña became the fifth MLB member of the 40–40 club, set a modern-era franchise record in stolen bases with 73, became the first MLB player to accomplish a 40–70 season, and won the 2023 National League Most Valuable Player Award.

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

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

April 22, 2024: Franchise Record in Stolen Bases

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: Season-Ending Injury

On May 26, 2024, Ronald Acuña Jr. suffered a complete tear in his left anterior cruciate ligament while taking a lead from second base during a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. This injury forced him to miss the remainder of the 2024 season. Prior to the injury, in 49 games, he had a batting average of .250, an on-base percentage of .351, and a slugging percentage of .365, with 4 home runs, 15 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases.