Ronald Acuña Jr. and Juan Soto talk about each other, making history
Even though neither started the season with their respective major league clubs, Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. and Washington Nationals outfielder Juan Soto appear set for one of the closest National League Rookie of the Year races in the last few years.
Both have a strong case for the 2018 Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year Award after having historic first seasons. And each has a strong appreciation for the season the other produced.
Sizing up the competition
The Braves’ young star respects this main competitor for the Rookie of the Year Award.
“Juan is a tremendous player,” Acuña told La Vida Baseball. “Truly, it’s surprising all he was able to do at 19 years old. It makes you think he has a bright future. The winner hasn’t been decided, but if it was him it’s also very well deserved. It has been a beautiful and, above all, healthy competition.”
On the other side, Soto understands that Acuña had a marvelous season in Atlanta.
“Sure one knows that you’re a candidate for an award like that one because of all that I’ve done,” Soto told La Vida Baseball. “I believe this year it’s going to be a pretty race because I’ll compete with a guy like Ronald Acuña, who is a great player and better person who I’ve had the chance to spend time with on the field. If it’s not me, I’d like him to win it.”
Braves new star
Acuña seems to be the favorite to win the Rookie of the Year Award from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. If he wins, Acuña would become the first Venezuelan to win the award since Ozzie Guillén of the White Sox on 1985.
Acuña’s resume is strong. He set the Braves’ franchise record for leadoff home runs with eight. His 26 home runs and his .293/.366/.552 slashline were key for the Braves to win the NL East pennant.
“This year has been very special for me for everything I experienced, especially because the team qualified for the playoffs,” he said. “But personally I can said I feel satisfied because I had good at-bats, like my first home run at Citi Field in front of my father or my first at Yankee Stadium.
“I think it has all been worth it.”
Acuña has already started to pick up awards. He already earned the Luis Aparicio Award, which goes to the Venezuelan who stood out the most in the majors each year. In 2018, Acuña shares the Luis Aparicio Award with Jesús Aguilar, the Milwaukee Brewers’ All-Star first baseman.
“It’s an honor for me to win that award above all because of countrymen like Aguilar and Eugenio Suárez also had good seasons,” Acuña said. “I don’t have words to describe this moment and I know my family doesn’t either.
Soto’s arrival
Even though Soto was considered one of the Nationals’ top prospects, he didn’t expect to be called up so soon. With veterans Bryce Harper, Adam Eaton and Michael Taylor occupying most of the playing time in the Washington outfield, it certainly appeared Soto would need to wait his turn.
He definitely didn’t expect to break records for teenage major leaguers.
Among the many records tied or broken by Soto this year, he set a record as the first rookie with three stolen bases in a game and tied Harper for the second most home runs in a season by a teenager with 22.
“I didn’t expect this so soon,” Soto said. “I think the most beautiful thing was to debut, then there have been many special moments. If I had to name one, although it’s difficult, I think it’s my first hit, especially because my parents were there watching me.”
Along with the 22 home runs, he had a slash line of .292/.406/.517 with a 3.0 Wins Above Replacement in 116 games.
Featured Image: Joan Soto Instagram