"He's a 70-40 guy" – Ronald Acuna Jr. praised as elite despite glaring weakness by ex-Mets GM
Ronald Acuna Jr. praised as elite despite glaring weakness by ex-Mets GM (Image Source: Getty)
MLB's shining star, Ronald Acuna Jr., recently had his defense by his former New York Mets general manager, Steve Phillips. Despite pointing out an exposed flaw in
Ronald Acuna Jr.
's game,
Steve Phillips
continued to assert that the
Atlanta Braves
phenomenon is an elite-level player. This statement has generated waves among fans and commentators in the middle of a baseball conversation regarding Ronald Acuna Jr.'s current condition.
Ex-Mets GM calls Ronald Acuna Jr. a "70-40 Guy" while mentioning an important flaw
Ronald Acuna Jr.'s numbers remain impressive, he's a speedster, power hitter, and presence in the batter's box. But former Mets GM Steve Phillips had something negative to say about Ronald Acuna Jr.'s game this season recently when he appeared on
MLB Network Radio
.
However, he was quick to compliment the Braves outfielder. "
Of course, he's a superstar. He's an MVP, he's a 70-40 guy, yes he is a superstar player, there's no question about that,
" Steve Phillips said. The "70-40" mention points out Ronald Acuna Jr.'s unusual achievement of 70
stolen bases
and 40
home runs
, which not many can manage.
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Steve Phillips also highlighted a noticeable shortcoming: plate discipline. Based on his observations, Ronald Acuna Jr. has been chasing pitches outside the zone way too much. This impacts his on-base capabilities and decreases his walk rate, something most high-level hitters look to enhance.
Fans Come to Ronald Acuna Jr.'s Defense Despite Slumps
Though some critics have questioned Acuna's discipline and recent slumps, most fans and analysts concur with Steve Phillips, Ronald Acuna Jr.'s ability is greater than his flaws. His 2023 MVP season, in which he hit 41 home runs and stole 73 bases, still remains fresh in people's minds.
Steve Phillips wasn't oblivious to the problem, but also wasn't too hasty to dismiss a player of Ronald Acuna Jr.'s quality.
'He's had some peaks and valleys, but he's also a baby still, in baseball terms. He's not even in the prime of his career yet, and he's already showing me he's got a chance to be an absolute top-level MVP.'
Steve Phillips continued during the segment.
Such defense from seasoned voices within the league reminds everyone why Ronald Acuna Jr. is still one of the most thrilling players to watch, even with the potential to improve.
Also Read:
Ronald Acuna Jr's Contract Details In 2025, Stats, Endorsements, And More
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