Atlanta Braves’ Ronald Acuña Jr. hit a home run in his team’s 6-9 win over the Washington Nationals on Friday night to get his season total to 40 homers. By doing this, Acuña became just the fifth player in MLB history to have at least 40 home runs and 40 stolen bases in a single season.
Acuña is the first new member of the 40-40 club since Nationals’ Alfonso Soriano joined in 2006. José Canseco (1988), Barry Bonds (1996), and Alex Rodriguez (1998) are the remaining three players to reach the mark.
It is important to note that Acuña currently has 68 stolen bases, while neither of the remaining four members of the 40-40 club surpassed 46 stolen bases.
Acuña’s historic performance also created several new clubs. No one has ever got to a 40-50 or 40-60 season.
“It’s pretty incredible, and just think of how many players have played in the big leagues, and my name is alone,” Acuña said. “But I’m hoping, and I’m sure someone will break that record, too.”
Acuña is the favorite to win the NL MVP honors this season, batting a career high .337 and adding 101 RBIs. He helped the Braves own the best record in baseball at 99-55.
