The Venezuelan Winter League, LVBP (Liga Venezolana de Beisbol Profesional) had its Home Run Derby on Monday night, and it was a night filled with thrilling emotions.
Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuna Jr. won the event in spectacular fashion, showing once again his power is legit.
“Ronald Acuña Jr. wins the Venezuelan Home Run Derby and the fans storm the field!” Jomboy Media posted with a video of the winning home run and Acuna’s celebration afterwards.
Ronald Acuña Jr. wins the Venezuelan Home Run Derby and the fans storm the field! pic.twitter.com/NTm6Y3Fdlr
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) November 29, 2022
He showed his usual passion, running to the diamond with the ebullient crowd.
The event was full of firepower: Diego Rincones, Balbino Fuenmayor, José Altuve, Gleyber Torres, Eugenio Suárez, Willson and William Contreras, Eduardo Escobar, Juan Yépez and Acuna took part.
The last eight in that group are all major leaguers, some of them with superstar status.
The Braves organization probably wasn’t too thrilled after seeing Acuna run around and jump with fans after the Derby, but it was the heat of the moment after hitting a long drive to center field that sealed the win.
The Braves Need Acuna To Regain His Power
The outfielder is expected to play in the Venezuelan Winter League until December 7, but he is reportedly trying to extend that permission.
Acuna had a good, if unspectacular season after returning from last year’s knee surgery.
He hit .266/.351/.413 with a 114 wRC+: still above-average, but not star-level.
He still managed to hit 15 homers and steal 29 bases for the Braves this year.
The Braves are expecting him to return to pre-surgery levels: when he is healthy, Acuna is capable of hitting 40 homers and stealing 40 bases.
That’s the kind of performance they want to see from him.
He remains the Braves’ most important asset.
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