Braves Rumors: Matt Olson disgusted, Acuña has Strider in awe, Tigers trade idea

Braves Rumors: Spencer Strider calls Ronald Acuña Jr. ‘best player I’ve ever seen’

Spencer Strider was on the mound for the series finale against the Rangers and the burgeoning Braves superstar had one of his more pedestrian outings of the season, giving up four earned runs — three of which were conceded in the fourth inning — over 5.0 innings on six hits and three walks with “only” seven strikeouts.

That put the Braves in a deficit when he exited the game at 4-2, but a Ronald Acuña Jr. solo home run seemed to spark the Atlanta offense, ultimately resulting in an eight-and-ninth-inning rally punctuated by Orlando Arcia’s go-ahead bomb in the top of the ninth that proved to be the game-winner.

Acuña’s homer was his only hit of the night as he went 1-for-4 with a walk, but it was a huge boost for the offense while also being his fourth straight game putting one over the fence, giving him 11 on the season and tying him with Olson for the team lead.

The Braves star outfielder has been on another level this season, leading MLB in WAR and OPS while sitting second in stolen bases. His performance has many fans thinking about an MVP in his future at the end of the year — and it’s more than just fans. Strider was asked after the game about the spark Acuña has been with his otherworldly performance and he levied a massive compliment.

When his teammates are seeing the best player in baseball and saying “best player I’ve ever seen”, Strider is right — there really isn’t much else to say. This guy has taken it to another level now that he’s finally all the way healthy.