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Acuna expected to give boost to Braves’ rebuilding process

FILE - In this March 2, 2018, file photo, Atlanta Braves' Ronald Acuna watches after hitting a two run home run during the first inning of a baseball spring exhibition game against the New York Yankees in Tampa, Fla. The Braves need Acuna's power and speed in their lineup if they hope to move closer to .500 following their 72 wins in 2017. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)
FILE - In this March 2, 2018, file photo, Atlanta Braves' Ronald Acuna watches after hitting a two run home run during the first inning of a baseball spring exhibition game against the New York Yankees in Tampa, Fla. The Braves need Acuna's power and speed in their lineup if they hope to move closer to .500 following their 72 wins in 2017. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File) FILE - In this March 2, 2018, file photo, Atlanta Braves' Ronald Acuna watches after hitting a two run home run during the first inning of a baseball spring exhibition game against the New York Yankees in Tampa, Fla. The Braves need Acuna's power and speed in their lineup if they hope to move closer to .500 following their 72 wins in 2017. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)

By Associated Press 4 min read

ATLANTA (AP) – The focus of the Atlanta Braves’ rebuilding process has been pitching as the team stockpiled prospects through the draft and trades.

Those young pitchers remain vital to the team’s hopes of returning to the postseason, but 20-year-old outfielder Ronald Acuna showed this spring he’s the team’s future star and a key to hopes for improvement in 2018.

That future may begin as soon as the middle of April.

“He’s as good a prospect as I’ve seen,” said former Braves third baseman Chipper Jones, who was in camp as a roving instructor.

Jones, to be inducted into the Hall of Fame in July, was considered a foundation player of the franchise. Now first baseman Freddie Freeman has that role. Jones says Acuna has the talent to be another figurehead of the franchise.