Ronald Acuna Jr. KNOCKS DOWN Shohei Ohtani to become MLB’ No.1 player

Ronald Acuna Jr. was named the National League MVP in 2023.

Ronald Acuna Jr. KNOCKS DOWN Shohei Ohtani to become MLB’ No.1 player

Ronald Acuna Jr. (L) and Shohei Ohtani (R) [Image via Imago]

As the countdown for the MLB 2024 season goes on, the MLB Network had been unveiling the top 100 players in the league. In their latest reveal, the top 10 players were announced. In this Ronald Acuna Jr. has knocked down Shohei Ohtani to become the top ranked player.

The newly signed Los Angeles Dodgers man had been ranked No.1 in the past two years and was favorite to be named the top player again. However, the network has named Acuna. Jr as the No.1 player in MLB in 2024.

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The two MVPs of 2023 enjoyed a stellar season which saw them receive this major honors. While statistically, Acuna Jr. had great numbers during the previous campaign. Despite this many were still expecting Ohtani to be the number one player in 2024 due to his big money move.

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Ohtani sent shockwaves not just through the league but across the top four sporting leagues of US as well. His 10-year, $700 million is the biggest deal offered in leagues across North America.

Surprisingly this was not even enough to see him get a podium finish. The Japanese International was ranked fourth by MLB network, behind Aaron Judge, Mookie Betts and Acuna Jr.

Acuna Jr. is now the first Venezuelan International to be named as the No. 1 player by the MLB Network. The top 10 list this year also includes Julio Rodriguez, Yordan Alvarez, Gerrit Cole, Juan Soto, Corey Seager and Freddie Freeman.

Ronald Acuna Jr. shares his goal for the 2024 season

After an impressive campaign last time out, Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuna Jr. wants to do it all over again. He has now revealed the goal he has planned for himself in the 2024 season.

Ronald Acuna Jr.
Ronald Acuna Jr. (Image via Imago)

While speaking with the MLB crew, Acuna Jr. claimed he wants to stay healthy this year.

I need to stay healthy and play like how I played last year. I'm trying to be better than last year and stay healthy and that's it.
Ronald Acuna Jr. on his goals for the 2024 season as per MLB.com.

When asked about whether he 50-50 (50 home runs and 50 stolen bases) would be another goal for him, the 2023 National League MVP smiled off and said, “You never know. I don’t know“.

Recently Acuna Jr. opened up about his contract extension and expressed his desire to ‘stay forever’ with the Braves. Whether the 26-year-old wish will be fulfilled or not remains to be seen. The Braves though would certainly like to have him for a long time.

In the meantime, Acuna Jr. will turn his attention to the upcoming Spring training. The Braves start off their training games on Friday as they face the Tampa Bay Rays.

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