Ronald Acuña Jr made MLB history Friday night, becoming the fifth player to record at least 40 home runs and 40 stolen bases in the same season.
Acuña hit his 40th home run of the season in the first inning against Nationals starting pitcher Patrick Corbin, helping to stake the Braves to a 3-0 lead. He already led the majors with 68 stolen bases entering Friday’s game.
The four-time All-Star joins a prestigious list that includes Jose Canseco, Barry Bonds, Alex Rodriguez and Alfonso Soriano.
The 25-year-old Acuña also has posted the highest stolen base total among those five. Previously, Rodriguez’s 46 steals were the highest total among players to hit 40 homers in the same season.
.@ronaldacunajr24's historic 40th home run as heard on @BravesRadioNet 📻
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) September 22, 2023
Take it away, @IngramRadio! pic.twitter.com/MwzGNsQ2YS
Friday’s homer marked the 160th of Acuña’s career. He’s the first major leaguer to compile at least 160 career homers and 160 stolen bases by age 25, according to ESPN Stats & Info.
Acuña fell three stolen bases shy of joining the exclusive club back in 2019, when he hit 41 homers. Canseco was the first player to register 40 steals and 40 homers in the same season, having achieved the feat for the Athletics in 1988.
MLB 40/40 Club Members
- Ronald Acuña, Braves, 2023 (40 HR, 68 SB)
- Alfonso Soriano, Nationals, 2006 (46 HR, 41 SB)
- Alex Rodriguez, Mariners, 1998 (41 HR, 46 SB)
- Barry Bonds, Giants, 1996 (42 HR, 40 SB)
- Jose Canseco, Athletics, 1988 (42 HR, 40 SB)
.@ronaldacunajr24’s hometown celebrates his historic home run! https://t.co/z324KXQkFz
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) September 23, 2023
