Ronald Acuña Jr. crushes grand slam, powers Braves’ win. [Image Source: MLBSTATIC]
Ronald Acuña Jr. electrified fans with a towering grand slam during the Atlanta Braves’ 15-8 victory over the Boston Red Sox on Friday at CoolToday Park, showcasing his readiness for both the upcoming 2026 World Baseball Classic and a potential MVP repeat. The Venezuelan outfielder also stole two bases in the opening inning, contributing to an explosive 11-run third inning that solidified his team’s lead.
This game marked Acuña’s final Grapefruit League appearance before he joins Team Venezuela for the World Baseball Classic this weekend. His powerful showing underscored his intent to build on the momentum from his historic 2023 season.
“I think it helped a lot,”
Acuña said when reflecting on how the 2023 WBC influenced his MVP season.
“There’s good hitting and good pitching and a lot of superstars playing. The last World Baseball Classic, I didn’t have a good Baseball Classic, but there’s a new Baseball Classic this year. So I’m excited.”
Signs of Full Recovery and Returning Form
Braves pitcher Chris Sale expressed enthusiasm about Acuña’s current health and form.
“It’s more back to normal, right?”
Sale remarked.
“Last year, he’s coming off a knee surgery and you’re just hoping for the best. Now, obviously it looks like it’s behind him. Watching balls leave the yard, watching him run the bases, stealing bags. I mean, that’s who he is, that’s what he does.”
Following his second major knee surgery since July 2021, the 28-year-old appears fully recovered. His spring training performance indicates that he is prepared to replicate the extraordinary achievements that made him the only player in MLB history to hit over 40 home runs while stealing more than 70 bases in a single season. His notable yellow protective gear and powerful swing continue to make him one of baseball’s most recognizable stars.
Manager Walt Weiss also sees Acuña’s participation in the World Baseball Classic as a valuable boost.
Image of: Ronald Acuña Jr.
“I like position players playing in the WBC,”
Weiss commented.
“I just think, ‘What’s going to get them more ready than that environment?’ I think it accelerates that process of getting ready for the season.”
Venezuela’s High Hopes in the World Baseball Classic
Acuña’s experience during the 2023 World Baseball Classic provided invaluable exposure to high-caliber competition, even with modest personal statistics (4-for-18 with a double). The intense atmosphere, highlighted by Venezuela’s surprising win over the Dominican Republic before a packed crowd of 35,890 in Miami, served as a catalyst for his subsequent MVP-caliber season.
“Every time we put on the jersey that says Venezuela, I’m so proud,”
Acuña declared.
“I want to do something special for my country, and I want to do something special with my teammates. I want to make everybody proud.”
In Pool D, Venezuela will face off against familiar contenders, including several Braves teammates representing other nations. The Netherlands, managed by Hall of Famer Andruw Jones, will feature players like Ozzie Albies, Jurickson Profar, and Chadwick Tromp. Rivalries have already intensified during camp preparations.
Venezuelan coach Eddie Perez commented on the competitive spirit in camp:
“They talk about it every day,”
he said.
You hear them saying, ‘We’re going to beat you’ and all that. It’s fun to listen to them. This motivates [Acuña] to get ready and do better.”
Expectations Soar After Historic 2023 Season
Acuña’s 2023 campaign was remarkable in its rarity, with a .337 batting average paired with 41 home runs and 73 stolen bases, alongside a 1.012 OPS. Only a select group of 18 players since 1969 have reached 40+ home runs with a batting average of .335 or better, with Barry Bonds accomplishing that feat four times. Acuña’s 149 runs scored surpassed nearly every other player in the Divisional Era, second only to Jeff Bagwell’s 152 in 2000.
His 217 hits are among the most in baseball history, especially impressive given an 80-plus extra-base hit season. With the World Baseball Classic serving once again as his launching pad, Acuña seems ready to continue his exceptional trajectory.
Venezuela is slated to open Pool D competition against the Netherlands at noon ET on March 6 in Miami, with the Dominican Republic, Israel, and Nicaragua also competing in the group.
“We were born for this,”
Acuña declared confidently.
“The Dominican has a really good team, and so does the USA. But we have a really good team. So we’ll play the game the right way and we’ll see what happens out there.”
The grand slam during spring training was more than a highlight; it was a clear message that Ronald Acuña Jr. is determined to pursue both international success and individual excellence once more in the coming season.
