Freddie Freeman will be a legend in Atlanta forever. He’s an MVP, a World Series champion, and he meant so much more to this organization over his tenure. Freeman was the face of the Braves for a decade, but there’s a new sheriff in town, and his name is Ronald Acuna Jr.
Both Freeman and Acuna are representing their teams in Seattle this week as members of the National League All-Star team. The two didn’t always see eye-to-eye when they were members of the Braves. Freeman is more old school, while Acuna is helping the world see the game in a different light. However, when asked about Acuna yesterday, Freeman had nothing but glowing comments to say regarding his former teammate.
"It felt like he was ready for it. I think that's my favorite thing is the day he got called up, it looked like he was born to play baseball."@FreddieFreeman5 remembers @ronaldacunajr24's MLB debut ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/vxzUwcG35Y
— Bally Sports South (@BallySportsSO) July 11, 2023
As the leader in the clubhouse, Freeman was generally one of the first people to get on Acuna for his lack of maturity when he first entered the league. Perhaps it caused a rift in their relationship, and I’m not sure the two will ever be best friends, but as a Braves fan, I can look back and appreciate how guys like Freeman and Snitker have helped mold Acuna into the player and person he is today.
Talent has never been an issue, and neither has confidence. Acuna might be the most talented player to ever don a Braves uniform, and he’s always been beaming with confidence. But there were some moments of immaturity early in his career, something that is much less prevalent in his game today, which is a substantial reason why we’ve seen him take the next step as a player.
Brian Snitker even commented on Acuna’s growing maturity after he opted not to compete in this year’s Home Run Derby.
Brian Snitker said he would never ask a player not to participate in the Home Run Derby, but praised #Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. for making the decision. pic.twitter.com/22vCM86DZL
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) July 3, 2023
The mental aspect of what it takes to be great is starting to catch up with Acuna’s ridiculous physical abilities. He’s not just the most talented player on the roster any more, but a real leader in the clubhouse as well. Acuna is now someone younger players can look up to, and the Braves are much better off because of it.
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Photo: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
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