In March, MLB.com named the Braves farm system as the second best in baseball. The Braves have many well-known and documented prospects currently developing in their farm system. Atlanta’s minor league affiliates are littered with top prospects like Ozzie Albies, Dansby Swanson, and Sean Newcomb. While many Braves fans inevitably know all of these players, there is a certain outfielder currently playing for the Rome Braves that Braves fans may soon take notice of, and his name is Ronald Acuna.

Signed as an international free agent out of Venezuela in 2014, Acuna is a toolsy centerfielder that is currently listed as the Braves #22 prospect according to MLB.com. Still only 18 years of age, Acuna has shown some intriguing tools as well as an advanced approach at the plate that could potentially allow him to shoot up prospect lists in the years to come.

Acuna is currently one of the youngest players on the Rome Braves, and despite that he has shown plate discipline well beyond his years. In 128 at bats this year with Rome, Acuna has walked 15 times and stuck out only 20. Those marks are good enough for an 11.7% walk rate and a 15.6% K rate on the season. Acuna has produced in terms of traditional stats as well. As of May 29th he is batting an even .300 on the year with a .389 OBP and a .391 slugging percentage, although his slugging percentage is a step back from his .438 from last year.

Outside of the stats, Acuna grades out well on the eye test. Standing at an even 6 feet and weighing in at 180 pounds, Acuna currently profiles as a centerfielder, but could fill out as he matures and would most likely profile better for a corner outfield spot. MLB.com lists him as an above average runner with a slightly above average arm, meaning he could profile better as either a left or right fielder depending on how his power tool develops. Acuna showed above average power in his first professional season with 22 extra base hits in 55 games, making his isolated power percentage .169. This season Acuna has not been hitting for as much power, registering a .091 ISO, a drastic regression from last season. It should be considered that Acuna just turned 18 this past December, so he still has plenty of time to develop, and players power often takes some time to develop until it translates into games.

Acuna his displayed tools that should get Braves fans excited to see what he can develop into as he matures. He has produced well in every league he’s seen, and is preforming well this season in a league where the average player is almost four years older than him. Much of Acuna’s stock as a prospect hinges on his development in the power department, but the beginning of his professional career has plenty to be excited about already.

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