Since Ronald Acuña Jr. has made his Atlanta Braves debut, the star has been subject to an unfair level of scrutiny. The energy and joy with which the outfielder approaches the game have invited a discourse of which it is often fair to read between the lines. An older generation of fans has been quick to throw judgment at the Atlanta star for "not playing the game the right way." This, in truth, translates to older players and fans refusing to respect the obvious growth of the game.
Unwritten rules and a lack of energy are a big part of why the sport has taken a step back from a national perspective. The star outfielder has played the game with joy, energy and has given the franchise everything he has in the tank. Any heat for the outfielder when it comes to how he plays the game is coming from a questionable place. This is a piece of what makes Braves legend Chipper Jones' recent comments so important.
Atlanta Braves Legend Chipper Jones Weighs in on Where Ronald Acuña Jr. Stands in Franchise History
Jones is both clarifying where exactly the outfielder stands in franchise history and defending his immense talent. It is a welcome change after another former Brave had some regrettable comments on the franchise star. Chipper weighing in is fitting for a franchise legend who has remained consistently a part of the franchise since the legend's retirement.
It serves as a reminder as well of just how lucky the franchise is to have such a generational talent. One that has often been unfairly maligned and at times underappreciated. This isn't to take a shot at the Braves fan base as a whole, but rather a select group of both fans and media that continue to not fully embrace one of the league's most impressive stars.
Without the outfielder, the Braves are unquestionably irrelevant after recent free agent losses. For the team's postseason streak to stay alive, they are going to need the star to play at the highest level and help elevate a struggling lineup. This is the type of responsibility and expectations the franchise has put on the 2023 MVP with its recent decisions.
Still, as Chipper pointed out, the talent is there to live up to these lofty expectations. The star has every possible tool needed to have a huge second-half and help push a struggling Atlanta team back into the postseason race.