José Ramírez, Ronald Acuña Jr., and echoes of October in Atlanta

On Sunday Night Baseball, the Cleveland Guardians will be in Atlanta to take on the Braves at Truist Park at 7:20 pm ET in a game that can be seen on NBC and Peacock . That means we’ll be treated to a game featuring two of MLB’s top stars in the Braves’ Ronald Acuña, Jr. and the Guardians’ José Ramírez.

Let’s talk about what makes them so great. Among all players to debut in the Divisional Era (since 1969), Acuña is the only one (minimum 3,000 at-bats) to average at least 30 home runs and at least 30 stolen bases, per 162 games played. Ramírez — in double the number of at-bats — has averaged 29 home runs and 29 stolen bases, per 162 games played.

In case you were wondering, only two active players with fewer than 3,000 career at-bats are averaging 30-plus homers and 30-plus steals per 162 games: Fernando Tatis, Jr. and Julio Rodriguez. Acuña was the National League MVP in 2023, when he had a spectacular season.

He was not only the MVP, but he was also unanimous, receiving all 30 first-place votes. Because Acuña missed 1 ½ years with injuries, the 28-year-old has just over 3,700 career at-bats. He’s still on course to become one of the greatest players in franchise history.