Atlanta Braves MVP Ronald Acuna Jr. came to spring training this morning, ready to help his team recapture the championships they missed out on last season.
Happy Ronald 😁@ronaldacunajr24 | #BravesST pic.twitter.com/1ANIDNsc4o
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) February 16, 2024
But he had some unfinished business to take care of first.
He addressed the press on his performance in the NLDS last season that saw the team defeated by the Philadelphia Phillies. He said he put a lot of mental and physical work into participating in the NLDS, and was disappointed with the outcome.
“I played terribly, it’s not a secret,” said Acuna. “But it’s a new year, a new season, so just continue to work, stay focused…go further do better this season.”
He addressed his refusal to speak to reporters in the locker room after the NLDS defeat.
“I also just want to take this moment to apologize to all of y’all since obviously I was a little frustrated after we lost that series,” said Acuna.
Acuna cleared up one more issue before joining his team on the field for practice.
More Ronald Acuña Jr. for your timeline. #Braves spring training is just heating up. pic.twitter.com/UEYtMGYUQN
— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) February 16, 2024
“It’s not a secret that I want to be a Brave for life,” he said, “”That’s my hope. I hope I can stay here forever. Hopefully, we can make that happen soon.”
Acuna is five years from free agency, so he should be a Brave for at least that long. The Braves have not commented on Acuna’s statements.
Social media credits: X, Atlanta Braves, Grant McAuley (929 The Game).
