3 Reasons Ronald Acuña Will Win the NL MVP in 2020

Ronald Acuña Jr. is only 22 years old and finished fifth in the 2019 National League MVP voting. He was the 2018 NL Rookie of the Year and saw his numbers improve across the board in his second year in the league. The next step is winning the MVP, and here are three reasons why that's an attainable goal for the young outfielder in 2020.

3. Mix of Power and Speed

Acuña showed great power at the plate in 2019. / Scott Kane/Getty Images

Acuña was near the top of the NL in home runs last season with 41. He also led the league in stolen bases with 37 and added 22 doubles. Being near the top of the league in home runs is often enough to get first-place MVP votes. Flashing the power while also being a great base stealer puts Acuña on a whole new tier. He approached 40-40 territory last year, and there's a real chance he eclipses those marks in 2020.

2. Braves Are World Series Contenders

Acuña and the Braves are among the best in the NL. / Scott Kane/Getty Images

Acuña's accomplishments don't go unnoticed because he is playing on one of the better teams in the NL. His play and 5.5 WAR in 2019 helped the Braves win another NL East pennant. His added value to the team makes the Braves a contender and Acuña shows his impressive numbers actually help his team compete. With the playoffs in sight every year, Acuña remains in baseball's spotlight.

1. Not a One-Season Wonder

Acuña's appears to only be getting better with time. / Todd Kirkland/Getty Images

Cody Bellinger won the NL MVP with a 9.0 WAR season, a markedly better campaign than any other he's recorded. Acuña finished fifth and his WAR saw a gradual increase from 4.1 to 5.5. 2020 will only be his third season and it doesn't seem that either 2018 or 2019 were flukes. If he continues to improve at this rate, Acuña will be at the forefront of the MVP conversation next year.