It has been an exciting MLB season for many reasons. It includes the fight for the championship, age-old rivalries, and battles between teams on and off the field. This also involves a contest between the Atlanta Braves and the Los Angeles Dodgers, with two players each battling for MVP status, becoming more fierce with Ronald Acuna Jr. vs. Mookie Betts taking center stage. It seems the Braves have an edge after MLB legend Alex Rodriguez joined the conversation with support for the “nervous or excited” Braves star.

When it comes to the MVP battles, there is always a thin line that separates the two contenders. Hence, any voice raising in support puts a weight on the potential candidate. The same seems true with Acuna Jr., who got the backing from ex-baseballer Rodriguez. Notably, it came after the 25-year-old matched a record made by his senior 25 years back.

Alex Rodriguez Applauds Ronald Acuna Jr. As MVP Battle Heats Up

Even after many players doing well, the talk has been around Ronald Acuna Jr. and Mookie Betts only. The reason is their consistency, impacting their respective teams. Especially Acuna, who has been a star performer at the plate. The Venezuelan added 40-40 feat to his record with another solid performance.

He also got a reception from Alex Rodriguez, who wrote, “Welcome to the club @ronaldacunajr24! Congrats on an amazing year.” Notably, with his 40th home run, the $100 million star became the fifth player in MLB history to reach that number of 40 steals to his name.

Acuna becomes part of an exclusive group that includes Alphonso Soriano (2006), Alex Rodriguez (1998), Barry Bonds (1996), and Jose Canseco (1988) by achieving the remarkable feat of hitting 40 home runs and stealing 40 bases.

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Additionally, Acuna contributed a double and three runs to the game. His recent performance has been impressive, as he has secured hits in 14 of his last 15 games, accumulating eight home runs and 15 RBIs during that stretch. Notably, his 143 runs scored stand as the highest since Rodriguez matched that total in his 2007 MVP season.

It was certainly a magnificent feat for the Braves star who through his translator said, “I am extremely happy. Honestly, rounding the bases, I don’t know if I was more nervous or excited”, post Atlanta’s 9-6 victory over the Washington Nationals.

With this, he has strengthened his position in the top 10 in the league. He is now averaging 0.337, with 101 RBIs and an OPS of 1.013, and is ahead of his nearest rival Mookie Betts. It means the right fielder could be winning this year’s MVP. But there a twist in the tale.

Will Acuna Be Able to Overcome Challenge From His Teammate Matt Olson

Although everyone favors Acuna in the MVP, Olson is not far behind his teammate. After scoring his 53rd home run of the season, the 29-year-old first baseman had another solid game. He contributed another run against the Washington Nationals. After the last game, Olson has an average of 0.278, with 122 runs and 132 RBIs with an OPS of 0.994.

Though he is behind Acuna Jr. and Betts, on average and OPS, he has a solid lead in HRs and RBIs. Given these two factors are one of the most instrumental in every batter’s contribution, it gives him an edge in the MVP battle. Because many games are yet to be played, the outfielder can add more weight to his MVP selection.

Read More:- “The Chase Is On”: Atlanta Braves’ Ronald Acuna Jr. Edges Past Mookie Betts as Cliffhanger MVP Race Nears Epic Climax

If it happens, both Ronald Acuna Jr. and Mookie Betts can face fierce competition in the MVP win. Also, even though fans do not feel it to happen, a better postseason can change it. Don’t you think so? Which player would you back if this situation surfaces in the future? Share your answers in the comments below.

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