Ronald Acuña Jr. continues to add to his impressive list of accomplishments in the 2023 season, reaching another significant milestone that highlights both his individual brilliance and the Atlanta Braves’ potent offense.

 

This feat, achieved on Thursday night in Washington, underscores Acuña’s exceptional ability to score runs.

Acuña scored his 140th run of the season with a leadoff triple in the third inning, swiftly crossing the plate on Ozzie Albies’ double. This play exemplifies the Braves’ signature style of generating multiple runs, as they went on to score five more runs against the Nationals.

 

Several factors have converged to enable Acuña to achieve this rarefied status in run-scoring. Crucially, he has maintained excellent health, participating in nearly all of Atlanta’s games. Additionally, he leads all Major League players in on-base percentage, entering Thursday’s game with an impressive .416 mark. Batting in the leadoff position of a formidable lineup, Acuña benefits from the offensive firepower of his Braves teammates, with each regular starter boasting an OPS+ of at least 98 and contributing 17 or more home runs.

 

Historically speaking, such prolific run-scoring seasons have been a rarity in recent years. The last player to achieve this milestone was Alex Rodriguez of the Yankees in 2007, just a year after the most recent 40-40 campaign accomplished by Alfonso Soriano.

It’s worth noting that seasons with 140 or more runs tend to occur during high-offense eras, with a remarkable 35 of them recorded in the 1920s and ’30s. Including Acuña, there have been only 15 such seasons since that time, with nine occurring between 1993 and 2001.

 

Acuña’s achievement underscores his exceptional performance this season and his crucial role in the Braves’ offensive juggernaut, making him a standout player in today’s game.