Braves Ronald Acuna: Star prospect make a fantasy impact in 2018?

By Brad Kelly | Nov 18, 2017

MIAMI, FL - JULY 09: Ronald Acuna #24 of the Atlanta Braves and the World Team swings at a pitch against the U.S. Team during the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game at Marlins Park on July 9, 2017 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

The Braves may be going through turmoil this offseason, but that does not take away the fact they have one of the best prospects in the game in Ronald Acuna. But, is he ready to make a fantasy impact in 2018?

Things in Atlanta are messy this offseason as the team is dealing with inner turmoil, inevitable punishment from the league for their international player missteps, and turnover in their front office. But, the one thing that Braves have not lost, is that they have one of the best prospects in the game in Ronald Acuna.

But, is the star prospect ready to make an impact in 2018.

Ronald Acuna signed with the Braves as a 17-year-old out of Venezuela. Ever since he has joined the organization, Acuna has raked across every stop in the minors. Whether it be A ball, .312/4 HR/19 RBI/14 SB/.821 OPS, or even in the Austrailian baseball league last winter, .375/2 HR/13 RBI/1.001 OPS, he just hits.

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Even with those solid seasons under his belt, his most impressive feat was his, .325/21 HR/82 RBI/44 SB/.896 OPS line this season over stops from A to AAA ball. As a teenager, and facing competition years older than him, his blend of power and speed was fun to watch.

In terms of a comparison, he has drawn comparisons to Andruw Jones in his prime, and even Andrew McCutchen. His swing is smooth and repeatable, and his slight uppercut swing bodes well power wise as he will further develop physically.

Speed wise, he has an elite ability on the base paths and in the outfield, allowing him to man any of the three spots. The speed is legit and if he can clean up some mistakes, he was caught 20 times, he will be a stellar threat at the MLB level.

The one area of his game that fantasy owners and scouts are interested in seeing transition are his swing and miss tendencies. Last season, he struck out 144 times while only walking 43 times. With his speed and XBH ability, the K have not caught up to him in the minors, at the MLB level it could.

His contact rates are solid though, he averaged 26% LD, 38% GB, 32% FB rates across all his stops last season. Therefore, it is not as though he is getting exposed or not squaring the ball up.

In terms of fantasy value, Acuna is a tantalizing prospect. The speed/power combo, and even more so the 20 HR/30 SB upside, would make him well worth a fantasy selection. Atlanta does have three outfielders pretty set heading into 2018, Matt Kemp is lumbering around in left, Ender Inciarte continues to be solid in center, and Nick Markakis is still right around league average in right.

While the Braves have options, Kemp is starting to hit the decline of his career and would be suited as a DH, and Markakis’ production does not move the needle any from a corner outfielder.

Acuna is being pushed rapidly through the minors for a reason, and the Braves are not shy about seeing what he can do against advanced competition. He even just won MVP honors for his .325/7 HR/1.053 OPS performance in the Arizona Fall League.

His next logical step is starting the season in AAA for a month or so, before being promoted to the majors, making him an early favorite for Rookie of the Year.

He is uber-talented, does not have a lot of competition blocking him in Atlanta. and has the skillset to be a fantasy star. Ronald Acuna is ready for the big stage.

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