Ronald Acuna Improves Rapidly

Best Player

The Braves knew Ronald Acuna had the potential to move quickly after his injury-shortened 2016 season at low Class A Rome. Even so, they didn’t expect the outfielder to make such an easy transition to high Class A Florida or Double-A Mississippi.

The 19-year-old Venezuelan hit .309/.361/.481 through 72 games this season with eight home runs and 30 stolen bases in 44 tries.

Acuna has plus speed to track down balls from gap to gap in center field, and he led the organization in steals. Offensively, he barrels pitches consistently while making steady contact. His raw power is becoming more evident with every game he plays.

“Acuna is a stud—a five-tool talent who continues to improve in every aspect,” general manager John Coppolella said. “He has the ability to be one of the top 10 prospects in the game.”

Biggest Step Forward

Catcher Brett Cumberland’s career has skyrocketed over the past three years. Undrafted out of a California high school in 2014, he played two seasons at California and earned the Pacific-12 Conference player of the year award in 2016.

Selected by the Braves in the supplemental second round last year as a draft-eligible sophomore, he overcame a poor pro debut at Rookie-level Danville by blossoming in the first half of 2017 at Rome.

A switch-hitter with a smooth and powerful swing from both sides of the plate, Cumberland employs a disciplined approach and hit .263/.432/.531 with 10 homers and 48 RBIs at Rome. He ranked fifth in the minors in on-base percentage.

Promoted to Florida in late June, Cumberland has polished his game behind the plate while attracting raves for his ability to work with pitchers.

“Cumberland was arguably the most dangerous hitter in the (SAL), and he’s really improved his catching,” Coppolella said. “Both he and Acuna are parts of what is fast becoming a very exciting future.”