For the Atlanta Braves, the 2023 Major League Baseball season has been packed with historical moments, including setting the team’s single-season home run record, now at 278, Ronald Acuña Jr. becoming the first player in MLB history to reach 30 home runs and 60 stolen bases, and Matt Olson tying the club’s single-season home run record.
With the Braves locked into the postseason, the team will look to bring home their second World Series win in three years, but also have an opportunity for a few players to win a few season awards.
“I think Michael Harris and Ronald Acuña both are certainly leaders or right there near the top of winning a Gold Glove this year,” Jon Chuckery said on Tuesday while talking with SB Nation writer Kris Willis. As Chuckery shared his thoughts with Willis as to why he believes the two Atlanta outfielders should be considered for the honor.
“Michael Harris is a no brainer,” Willis chimed in, adding that he believes Harris should have won the award last season. As he began to discuss Acuña Jr.’s chances to win the award this season, Willis told Chuckery that it will be interesting.
“He’s got the big arm, he’s made some unbelievable plays out there, but the defensive metrics don’t rate him very highly," Willis said. "So it is going to be kind of an old-school, new-school type of voting." Willis added that he believes the right fielder does pass the “eye test,” which is considered part of the old school way. “For me, most nights, that arm is as good as anybody out there and it’s not only strong, it’s accurate."