Venezuelan MLB superstar and one of the favorites to win the NL MVP, Ronald Acuna Jr, has reported to practices for Tiburones in the Venezuela Winter League. Tiburones had announced they had attained the necessary permissions for Acuna to participate in the league. However, to everyone’s surprise, Acuna is reporting earlier than the expected mid-December tentative date. Acuna participated today in a batting practice and fielding session for Tiburones.
Ronald debuted in the Venezuela league last year as he attempted to rehabilitate and return from the ACL injury that sidelined him from the MLB 2021 season and prevented him from participating in the Braves’ World Series Championship run. Acuna played ten games last year for Tiburones and put on an offensive show. During these ten games, Acuna had a dominating slash line of .441/.513/.647. Acuna would carry that momentum right into the World Baseball Classic and the 2023 MLB season, during which he led the league in plate appearances (735), At-bats (643), runs (149), hits (217), stolen bases (73), OBP (.416), OPS (1.012), OPS+ 168, and total bases (383). His historic 40HR/70 SB season earned him an All-Star nod and a Silver Slugger Award. Acuna hopes to become the third Venezuelan to win the MVP award (Miguel Cabrera 2012, 2013) and the first in the National League.
Photo by: Fernando Oduber / lvbp.com
