Ronald Acuña isn’t remotely satisfied with winning the NL East again

The Braves have won the NL East for three straight seasons. They want more

The surest and easiest path to a playoff spot in MLB is to win your division. The Atlanta Braves have that route memorized, as they’ve done so for three straight seasons only to lose in painful fashion come the postseason. Ronald Acuña, Jr. is tired of losing when it matters most, and he’s ready for the young Braves to take the next step.

“If you ask me, it’s World Series or nothing,” Acuña said. “To my newborn son whom I’m dedicating every game to…”

That’s what Braves fans want to hear. Acuña has a cause outside of baseball now, and he wants to be a winner not just for himself, but his family as well. The Braves will celebrate tonight, as they should. Even in a shortened season, there’s every reason to accomplish another division pennant.

Do the Braves have what it takes to finally take the next step?

The Braves haven’t made the NLCS in what feels like forever. In an expanded postseason, that path will be even tougher and marred with more competition. Atlanta’s lineup is not to be messed with. They feature Acuña, Marcell Ozuna, Ozzie Albies and MVP candidate Freddie Freeman, among others. They’re a dangerous group.

Atlanta’s pitching, however, is a different story. Cole Hamels’ return was a glimmer of hope, but that lasted just one start before he was placed back on the IL with a shoulder issue. He’ll miss the rest of the season, and with it the Braves have just two sure postseason starters in Max Fried and Ian Anderson. Beyond that is a mystery.

Acuña believes, and Braves fans should as well. For now, #ChopOn.