History of Ronald Acuña Jr. in Timeline

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Ronald Acuña Jr.

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. That same year, Acuña was awarded the National League Rookie of the Year Award for his outstanding performance.

1920: Youngest Player Milestone

As of August 13, 2018, Acuña was the youngest player since 1920 to have hit a home run in his last four games.

1966: 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.

1991: José Escobar played for Cleveland Indians

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

1991: Broke Otis Nixon's 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. represented Venezuela at the 2011 Pan American Games

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

July 2014: Signed with 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 career.

2014: Signed with the Atlanta Braves

In 2014, Acuña signed with the Atlanta Braves as an international free agent, marking the beginning of his professional baseball career.

2015: Professional Debut and Promotion

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

2016: Injury and ABL All-Star Selection

In 2016, Acuña played 42 games for the Gulf Coast Braves and Rome Braves, interrupted by an injury. 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 Peoria Javelinas in the Arizona Fall League, where he won the league championship and was named league MVP.

2017: Grapefruit League, All-Star Futures Game, and International League Debut

In 2017, Acuña made Grapefruit League appearances, started with the Florida Fire Frogs, was promoted to the Mississippi Braves, named to the All-Star Futures Game roster in July, and debuted in the International League with the Gwinnett Braves, hitting a home run in his second at bat.

2017: First 50-Stolen Base Season 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

On March 19, 2018, despite a .432 average and four home runs in spring training, Acuña was reassigned to minor league camp and 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, making him the youngest player in MLB at the time. He made his debut wearing number 13 against the Cincinnati Reds and recorded his first career hit off Kevin Shackelford.

August 13, 2018: Home Runs in Doubleheader and Consecutive Games

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. He also hit a home run in his last four games, making him the youngest player since 1920 to achieve this.

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

In 2018, Acuña made his Major League Baseball debut with the Atlanta Braves and subsequently won the National League Rookie of the Year Award.

2018: All-Star, Silver Slugger and Stolen Bases Leader

Since 2018, Acuña has been named to the MLB All-Star team five times, won three Silver Slugger Awards, and twice led the league in stolen bases.

April 2, 2019: $100 Million Contract Extension

On April 2, 2019, Acuña agreed to an eight-year contract extension with the Braves worth $100 million, including team options for the 2027 and 2028 seasons.

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

By June 2019, Acuña had drawn attention for his power production. At midseason, he 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 and 40-30 Club Member

During the 2019 season, Acuña joined the 30–30 club on August 24 and became the youngest major leaguer to enter the 40–30 club on September 19.

2019: Silver Slugger Award

In 2019, Acuña won the National League Silver Slugger Award along with teammates Ozzie Albies and Freddie Freeman.

2019: Second 30-30 Club

On August 31, 2023, Acuña joined the 30–30 club for the second time in his career, previously in 2019, 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: Division Title and Silver Slugger Award

During the season shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2020 Acuña helped the Braves win their third division title in a row. He was awarded his second consecutive Silver Slugger Award.

2020: Freddie Freeman wins Hank Aaron Award

In 2023, Acuña was the first Brave to win the Hank Aaron Award since Freddie Freeman in 2020.

July 10, 2021: Season-Ending Leg Injury

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

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: MLB History Maker

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 married Maria Laborde

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

2023: 40-40 Club, Stolen Base Record, 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 National League Most Valuable Player Award.

2023: Silver Slugger, MVP, and Hank Aaron Awards

In 2023 Acuña received a National League Silver Slugger Award, was named the National League Most Valuable Player unanimously, and won that year's Hank Aaron Award.

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

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, designating him as a starting outfielder for the 2023 Major League Baseball All-Star Game for the second year in a row.

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 and ACL tear

In 2024, on May 26, Ronald Acuña Jr. suffered a complete tear in his left anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) while taking a lead from second base against the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was tended to by team trainers and was able to walk off the field. The injury forced him to miss the remainder of the 2024 season.

May 23, 2025: Acuña returns from injury and hits home run

On May 23, 2025, Ronald Acuña Jr. returned to action and hit a home run on the first pitch thrown by San Diego Padres pitcher Nick Pivetta. He finished the game 2-for-4 with the home run, an RBI, and an outfield assist.

2027: Potential Contract Extension Option

The contract signed by Acuña on April 2, 2019, included a team option for the 2027 season.

2028: Potential Contract Extension Option

The contract signed by Acuña on April 2, 2019, included a team option for the 2028 season.