Ronald Acuña Jr. Becomes 3rd Player 21 and Under to Hit 40 Home Runs in a Season

Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr.
Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. in 2018. Photo by Austin Mcafee/CSM/REX/Shutterstock (9889231ag)

The Atlanta Braves have gotten big contributions up and down their lineup in their mad dash to the NL East crown this season, but perhaps none has been more impressive than Ronald Acuña Jr.’s.

The dynamic outfielder slugged his 40th home run of the season in the Braves’ 5-4 matinee win over the Phillies on Thursday, becoming the third player in the history of baseball to achieve that feat at the age of 21 or younger.

The 21-year-old hammered an inside 0-2 fastball from Philadelphia starter Aaron Nola deep to left field, joining former Braves third baseman Eddie Matthews and former Giants right fielder Mel Ott as the third player to ever eclipse the 40 home run barrier before his 22nd birthday.

He is also the first player to accomplish the feat in 66 years, as Matthews was the last to do so back in 1953.

When told of his feat, the outfielder said, “It feels incredible. To be compared to superstars and Hall of Famers like that, especially at such a young age, wow.”

The 2019 NL All-Star Game starter in center field is batting .279 with 40 home runs, 99 RBI, and 123 runs scored in a fantastic sophomore campaign.

He’ll look to add to his growing legend with the Braves in this year’s MLB postseason.