Ronald Acuña Jr. Fastest Player in MLB History to 200 HRs and 200 Stolen Bases
- became the fastest player in Major League Baseball history to reach 200 career home runs and 200 stolen bases on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
- During the top of the seventh inning on September 2, 2026, Acuña connected on a first-pitch 95 mph sinker from Washington Nationals reliever Max Kranick, sending the ball...
- “It’s freakish talent,” says Braves manager Walt Weiss.
Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. became the fastest player in Major League Baseball history to reach 200 career home runs and 200 stolen bases on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. Playing at Nationals Park in Washington, the 28-year-old hit his historic 200th home run in his 904th career game, surpassing Alfonso Soriano’s previous mark by 25 games.
A Historic Milestone at Nationals Park
During the top of the seventh inning on September 2, 2026, Acuña connected on a first-pitch 95 mph sinker from Washington Nationals reliever Max Kranick, sending the ball 379 feet into the bullpen at a speed of 104 mph. The home run extended the Braves’ lead to 6-0 during a rain-delayed 9-0 victory. Before launching the milestone home run, Acuña singled, stole second base for his 20th steal in 29 attempts this season, and scored in the sixth inning. The performance brought his career totals to 200 home runs and 225 stolen bases.
“It’s freakish talent,” says Braves manager Walt Weiss. “And so he’s capable of doing unbelievable things.”
Braves manager Walt Weiss
Overcoming Adversity and Injuries
Acuña debuted in the majors at age 20, making his path to the 200-200 club notable for the significant physical hurdles he navigated along the way. A pair of torn ACLs—one on each leg—cost him essentially two full seasons, including the Braves’ run to the 2021 World Series championship. The 2026 campaign brought further setbacks when a hamstring strain sent Acuña to the injured list twice. Braves manager Walt Weiss benched him at points to help him slow the game down during his return from the second IL stint. Limited to 86 games in the 2026 season, Acuña holds a .243 batting average with a .761 OPS and 14 home runs.
“I know how much I worked to be here, with my teammates, and I also, for me, wanted to be in that list with Alfonso Soriano and the superstars,” Acuña said. “Injuries are part of the game, though. So I need to keep continuing working hard, play hard, no matter what happened, help my team win a lot of games, so (we) make the playoffs this year.”
Ronald Acuña Jr.
NL East Standings and Upcoming Schedule
The milestone victory improved the Braves’ record and extended their National League East lead to four games over the Philadelphia Phillies. With the division race tightening, Acuña and the Braves prepare for a crucial four-game weekend series in Philadelphia. While Acuña will not contend for a second NL MVP award due to his missed time, the Braves have asserted control over the division without his peak production. Team leadership expects his game-breaking abilities to anchor the lineup as the postseason approaches.
I love, I love, playing against Philly. This weekend, it’s like a playoff game, so let’s see what happens in Philadelphia.
Ronald Acuña Jr.