"I’m missing everything right now" - Braves' Ronald Acuna Jr. reflects on his disappointing form so far this season

Atlanta Braves slugger and reigning NL MVP Ronald Acuna Jr. hasn't seen anything closer to the person who became the first player in MLB history to have a 40-70 season in 2023. He hit 41 home runs and 73 stolen bases last season, compared to three home runs and 14 stolen bases so far this season.

Acuna Jr.'s form has also affected the team to a certain extent, with them trailing the Philadelphia Phillies for the division lead. At the start of the year, they were expected to be the clear short leader of the division, but now they have fallen short on odds following an underwhelming start from their MVP.

Braves reporter Justin Toscano asked Acuna Jr. if trying the ball too hard was one of the reasons for his slump, to which he responded:

“I’m not sure what to tell you, because it feels like I’m missing everything right now. But I am confident that it’ll get turned around and there’ll be good things ahead.”

Ronald Acuna Jr. is slashing .242/.354/.335 this season, which includes a subpar 0.2 WAR.

Ronald Acuna Jr. botches a routine fly ball

MLB: Chicago Cubs at Atlanta Braves

On Sunday, the Braves hosted the San Diego Padres at Truist Park. In the fourth inning, with the Braves trailing 6-0, Manny Machado hit a fly ball to right field to Acuna, which should have resulted in the second out. However, it seems MVP's plate struggles translate to an absolutely easy play, resulting in an error.

The error did lead to a run, with Jurickson Profar reaching third on the play and eventually leading following a sac-fly from Xander Bogaerts. However, the error didn't amount to much given that it was a 9-1 blowout win for the Padres.

If the Braves want to catch up to the Phillies, they need everything from their leadoff slugger. Even on Sunday, Ronald Acuna Jr. couldn't ball in play and all he amounted to was a grind-out walk in three plate appearances. However, the season is still too early to make any remarks about Acuna Jr.'s form but he needs to turn his season around soon.