Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuna Jr. hit “just” 15 home runs this year in MLB.
That’s a somewhat disappointing power output considering the expectations on his shoulders, and the fact he was on a 40-homer pace (probably even higher than that) in 2021 when he went down with his knee injury in July.
But make no mistake: Acuna still has some serious raw power, and he offered another reminder of that on Monday night.
The Braves’outfielder, who is playing for the Tiburones de La Guaira in the Venezuelan Winter League (LVBP), won the league’s Home Run Derby last night in spectacular fashion.
Acuna beat some really talented opposition en route to the Derby win.
finals coming up!!! https://t.co/3qaENyocNd https://t.co/yDlnMJGRPJ pic.twitter.com/di7pTPy02s
— Céspedes Family BBQ (@CespedesBBQ) November 29, 2022
A Really Talented Crew
Gleyber Torres is 25 and already has 98 MLB home runs with the New York Yankees, while the Contreras brothers (Willson and William) are among the most powerful catchers in the big leagues.
Eduardo Escobar has four 20-homer seasons in MLB and one with 35; while Jose Altuve needs no introduction.
Eugenio Suarez has 30-homer power in MLB, too, and Juan Yepez is among the most promising St. Louis Cardinals players.
Balbino Fuenmayor and Diego Rincones are noted power hitters in LVBP, and the latter is the current home run leader in the circuit with six.
Last night, Acuna hit homer after homer to the crowd’s delight, reminding us all about his 40-homer power.
His career-high in the big leagues is 41, back in 2019, and he still has that powerful swing that makes us think he can regain his slugging ways in MLB.
The Braves will need to be patient with him, because the rewards will be immense once he is further removed from his surgery.
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