Ronald Acuña Jr's historic Braves season at forefront of NL MVP race with 2 Dodgers teammates

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

When MLB records are set, usually an MVP Award follows. That’s likely what Atlanta Braves star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. will hear Thursday night. 

No other player in league history has hit 40 home runs while stealing 50 bases. Acuña took it to another level during the 2023 season, mashing 41 homers and stealing not 50, not 60, but 73 bases on his way to leading Atlanta to yet another NL East title. 

Acuña’s impact on the league’s best team record-wise in 2023 (104-58) has him as the clear front-runner to win the NL MVP Award over Los Angeles Dodgers teammates Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Atlanta Braves' Ronald Acuña Jr. reacts after hitting a two-run home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the fifth inning, Sept. 12, 2023, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Along with his homers and stolen bases, Acuña set the tone in MLB in runs (149) and hits (217), while leading the NL in OPS (1.012).

Acuña already has a Rookie of the Year trophy on his mantle, and the 2023 NL MVP Award would be a great complement to that as the four-time All-Star, at just 25 years old, cements his spot as one of the league’s best players now and for years to come. 

But there is certainly hope from Dodgers fans that one of their veteran stars can come away with the award, starting with Betts, who led all of MLB in WAR (8.4) this season. Acuña was just behind him at 8.1 wins above replacement.

BRAVES SUPERSTAR RONALD ACUÑA JR REACHES UNPRECEDENTED MLB MILESTONE HOURS AFTER GETTING MARRIED

Betts already has an MVP under his belt after winning the award with the Boston Red Sox during the