Ronald Acuña Jr. is baseball’s quintessential five-tool player, possessing a rare combination of speed, power, and defensive prowess that could eventually earn him a plaque in Cooperstown and the title of South America’s G.O.A.T. The 2018 National League Rookie of the Year already has four All-Star appearances, three Silver Sluggers, and a World Series title in his six big-league seasons. In 2023 at age 25, Acuña added NL MVP to his resumé with a season for the ages. He blasted 41 homers and stole 73 bags for the NL East Champion Atlanta Braves to become the first-ever member of the 40/70 club.
Presented here is a special Acuña bat from his MVP campaign and the finest piece of Acuña lumber we’ve ever listed at auction. On April 14, 2023, the Venezuelan outfielder went 3-for-5 with three runs scored and a two-run homer for the visiting Braves, who pounded the Royals in Kansas City, 10-3. It was his third home run of the young season and #123 in his career. The next day, he went hitless in four at-bats but reached base twice (walk and HBP) and scored two more runs in another Atlanta victory. In both games he used this bat, which has been photo-matched by Game Used Gamers and confirmed by bat expert John Taube in his PSA/DNA letter of authenticity (graded GU 9.5).
The Louisville Slugger C416 professional model bat exhibits excellent use with a handle crack. Acuña’s initials (“RA”) appear on a Schutt sticker affixed to the knob. The handle is customized with red Lizard Skins grip with his name and jersey number (“13”). The two-toned maple bat, measuring 33.75” and weighing 31.2 ounces, has a moderate coat of pine tar on the upper handle and label. The barrel is pounded with contact marks, ink transfers, and bat rack streaks.
Acuña has signed the barrel in blue marker with his jersey number “23” and “2023 Game used” inscribed. An MLB Authentication hologram (VS 720220) confirming game use to 4/15/23 (when the bat was cracked) is affixed to the barrel, along with a Beckett hologram sticker for the autograph. Includes LOAs from PSA/DNA (GU 9.5) and Game Used Gamers with details of the photo-matches.