In the world of baseball, there’s a term that’s often tossed around – the “five-tool player.” This label is akin to the five-star prospect in football, and it signifies a player who excels in five essential areas: hitting for average, hitting for power, speed, possessing an excellent throwing arm, and demonstrating outstanding fielding skills.

Every spring, we hear whispers about promising five-tool prospects honing their skills in minor league fields, destined to become the next big stars. However, it’s time to redefine this term and simplify the conversation. The next time someone mentions a “five-tool prospect,” there’s a direct response that encapsulates it perfectly: “You mean they’re like Ronald Acuna Jr.?”

Has anyone epitomized the five-tool player label more perfectly than the Atlanta Braves’ star outfielder, Ronald Acuna Jr.? As of the latest statistics, Acuna ranks third in batting average (.335), ninth in home runs (32), and leads the league in stolen bases (63). What sets him apart, however, is his incredible prowess on the basepaths.

When you compare Acuna to other players with similar five-tool potential, it’s his stolen base numbers that make him stand out. For instance, the legendary Barry Bonds was a five-tool player in his early career but never stole more than 52 bases in a season. Mike Trout, considered one of the greatest in the game, has never exceeded 49 steals in a single season. Bryce Harper’s highest steal count in a year was 21. Alex Rodriguez had 46 stolen bases in his power-packed early years, but his defensive skills were often questioned. Even Chipper Jones, a Braves legend, had a personal best of 25 stolen bases in a single season.

Now, let’s look at Mookie Betts, a strong contender for the National League MVP award alongside Acuna. While Betts has hit more home runs (38), Acuna’s combination of power and speed, including his remarkable stolen base count, gives him the edge. Acuna is on track for a historic season, poised to finish with 38 home runs and 75 stolen bases. He’s already etched his name in MLB history as the first player to achieve 30 or more home runs and 60 or more stolen bases in a single season.

In the postseason, Acuna might be the key to the Braves’ success. Few teams can boast a player as dangerous as him. While Mookie Betts adds immense value to the Dodgers’ lineup alongside Freddie Freeman, and rising star Corbin Carroll brings promise to the Diamondbacks, Acuna demonstrated his ability to dominate a series, as witnessed in a recent showdown against the Dodgers. Whenever Acuna reaches base, you might as well pencil him in at second. His baserunning from first to third is impeccable. His power, exemplified by a recent home run that practically shook Dodger Stadium, is astonishing. And if you dare to challenge his arm while rounding third, prepare to be tagged out.

The Braves are well-positioned for another shot at a World Series title. It’s almost surreal to think that they reached the pinnacle two years ago without Acuna and Marcell Ozuna. Ozuna has been on a tear since May 1, batting .300 with 30 home runs and 74 RBIs. Both Ozuna and Acuna, who witnessed the Braves’ championship triumph from the sidelines, are now determined to lead the charge and secure their own rings, with them at the forefront in October.

Atlanta has seen greatness in its uniforms before, with legends like Greg Maddux, perhaps the greatest pitcher of the last 50 years. Maddux’s extraordinary performances on the mound were a hallmark of consistency and excellence. Today, we are witnessing magic on a nightly basis. It’s almost as if every time Acuna shines, the Braves emerge victorious. In games where Acuna homers, the Braves boast an impressive 25-5 record. When he’s on base, he’s a catalyst for action, leading all of baseball in hits and runs scored.

This Atlanta lineup is entering the conversation alongside the iconic “27 Yankees,” long considered the gold standard for offensive greatness in baseball. With players like Matt Olson, Austin Riley, and Ozzie Albies contributing, the Braves have hit a staggering 259 home runs as a team, outpacing the competition by a substantial margin. As the Braves set their sights on the postseason, Ronald Acuna Jr. stands as a shining example of the modern five-tool player, redefining what it means to excel in every facet of the game and, perhaps, leading his team to championship glory once again.