MLB
Ronald Acuña, elected best player in the Major Leagues
‘El Abusador’ was chosen as the best player for the 2024 season after winning his first Most Valuable Player award in 2023.
With one month to go before the opening day of the 2024 MLB season, the league’s official channel announced its list of the 100 best players. Topping the ranking is Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. The player, known as El Abusador, was voted unanimously the MVP of the national league in 2023.
The Venezuelan player led the Major Leagues in hits (217), stolen bases (73) and runs scored (149). Additionally, in July, Acuña Jr. became the first player in Major League history to hit 40 or more home runs and record 70 or more stolen bases.
MLB Network Top 10 players
- Ronald Acuña Jr. Braves (2023 rank: 25)
- Mookie Betts Dodgers (2023 rank: 4)
- Aaron Judge Yankees (2023 rank: 2)
- Shohei Ohtani Dodgers (2023 rank: 1)
- Freddie Freeman Dodgers (2023 rank: 10)
- Corey Seager Rangers (2023 rank: 33)
- Juan Soto Yankees (2023 rank: 12)
- Yordan Alvarez Astros (2023 rank: 9)
- Gerrit Cole Yankees (2023 rank: 37)
- Julio Rodríguez Mariners (2023 rank: 16)
Ronald Acuña Jr.’s projections for the 2024 season
The Yankees players and the Dodgers are both represented with three players in the Top 10. Completing the best players for 2024 ranking are Mookie Betts, Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, Corey Seager, Juan Soto, Yordan Álvarez, Gerrit Cole and Julio Rodríguez.
Other notable Latino players among the top 100 talents in the Major Leagues are José Ramírez of the Cleveland Guardians (14), José Altuve of the Houston Astros (22), Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. of the San Diego Padres (24 and 26 ), Randy Arozarena of the Tampa Bay Rays (40) and Luis Arráez of the Miami Marlins (43).
Replicating the numbers obtained in 2023 will be almost impossible for Acuña Jr. However, Baseball Reference considers that he will have a more than good campaign in 2024. It is expected that the man from La Guaira will be able to connect with the ball 165 times after 540 at bats. In addition, the Venezuelan is expected to drive in 81 runs, hit 30 home runs and steal 47 bases.