Stock Watch: Braves Put Ronald Acuna On Fast Track To Majors

The Braves have never had a problem with pushing a prospect they truly believe in.

They pushed Andruw Jones, Rafael Furcal and Andrelton Simmons quickly to Atlanta, either skipping them over multiple minor league levels or speeding up their stays at certain stops. In all three cases, the Braves felt the players’ talent and makeup allowed them to fly through the minors.

VERDICT

Acuna’s productive power is quickly catching up to his speed.

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Outfielder Ronald Acuna hasn’t made it to the majors just yet, but the Braves are putting him on a similar ascent. After an injury-plagued 2016 season that saw him get into just 40 games at low Class A Rome, Acuna began the 2017 season as expected at high Class A Florida.

But after just a month in the Florida State League, the 19-year-old Acuna was bound for Double-A Mississippi. He hit .315/.364/.490 through 52 games after the promotion, offering plenty of evidence that he was far from awed by the Southern League challenge.

“Our player-development people saw a man-child early on in spring training.” Braves general manager John Coppolella said. “We are aggressive in everything we do, including providing opportunities to our young players. When the player is a special talent—and Acuna is certainly that—it’s a lot of fun.”