In MLB, fans, talent evaluators, general managers, scouts, managers, and coaches are fascinated by players with immense power.
They also have a soft spot for a player capable of stealing bases at will and changing the game with their speed.
You can imagine, then, what they feel about players who offer both traits.
That’s why the league as a whole is fascinated with Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr.
There is no one in the league who boasts his combination of impact power and blazing speed.
No one.
Not even Fernando Tatis Jr., Jazz Chisholm Jr., Bobby Witt Jr., or any juniors you can find.
FOX Sports MLB posted a chart showing the leaders in home runs + stolen bases.
Acuna is the clear top dog and the numbers show it.
Ronald Acuña Jr. stays hot!
Here are your MLB Leaders in home runs + stolen bases. pic.twitter.com/4RZ6tDAq0w
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) June 28, 2023
Ideally, you want the split to be as close to even as it can be for the player to be considered a true “power-speed” threat.
Acuna’s 54 come from 19 homers and 35 stolen bases, which is very nicely distributed.
If you want to know how those numbers fare in MLB, he is seventh in home runs and second in stolen bases.
That means he is a top-ten player in both categories.
The second-placed hitter in HR+SB is Oakland Athletics outfielder Esteury Ruiz with 41, and 40 of those are thefts.
Then you have true power-speed threats Corbin Carroll and Shohei Ohtani ranked third and fourth with 40 and 39, respectively.
The difference Acuna has established between him and the field is impressive.
He seems to be on his way to his first NL MVP award, with a .330/.404/.586 line to complement all those homers and steals.
NEXT: The Braves Are On An Elite Pace This Season
