Braves’ Ronald Acuña becomes fifth player all-time with a 40-40 season
Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. became the fifth player in major league history to hit 40 home runs and 40 stolen bases in a season. He joined the exclusive club when he led off Friday night’s game against the Washington Nationals with his 40th home run.
Acuña sent a 3-2 slider from Nats left-hander Patrick Corbin over the left field fence for his eighth home run of the season. He was the only members of the 40-40 club alongside Alfonso Soriano (2006), Alex Rodriguez (1998), Barry Bonds (1996) and Jose Canseco (1988).
Acuña, one of the leading contenders for the National League MVP award, entered the game with 68 stolen bases, leading the majors. He is the only player to ever have a 40-60 season, and in fact, no one had ever achieved a 40-50 season before this season.
STORY FOR RONALD ACUÑA JR.‼️
He is now the ONLY player with 40 home runs and 60 stolen bases in a single season 😱
(above @MLB)pic.twitter.com/2LLRFuxjLa
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 22, 2023
Friday’s home run was the 160th of Acuña’s career. According to ESPN Stats & Information, he is the first player in MLB history with 160 home runs and 160 stolen bases at age 25 or younger. The 25-year-old Acuña began the night with 175 stolen bases.
Acuña also entered Friday batting .335 with 101 RBIs and an MLB-best on-base percentage of .414.
