ATLANTA - A Family Affair on the Diamond
In the bustling heart of Atlanta, Ronald Acuña Jr. sat comfortably, exuding a mix of pride and anticipation ahead of the Braves' clash with the Kansas City Royals. The spotlight wasn't just on him, though. It was shared with his cousin, Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia, a rising star in his own right.
Acuña’s admiration for Garcia was palpable. “I’m proud of him,” Acuña remarked at Truist Park, reflecting on seeing his cousin thrive at the major-league level. Their shared journey from La Sabana, Venezuela, to the grand stages of MLB is a testament to their family's deep baseball roots, which include the notable Escobar and Garcia names.
The two have been inseparable since their little league days, dreaming of moments like these. “We’ve grown up together,” Garcia shared. “It’s something our family, our country, and our hometown can enjoy.”
Acuña has already carved his legacy with the Braves, boasting an MVP title, five All-Star selections, and three Silver Slugger Awards, including a standout 40-70 season in 2023. Meanwhile, Garcia has been crafting his own path, inspired by Acuña's journey.
Their bond is strong, with Garcia often visiting Acuña’s home when playing in Atlanta. Reflecting on Garcia’s challenging 2024 season, where he hit just .231 with seven home runs, Acuña provided unwavering support. “He’s a really good player,” Acuña emphasized, noting how Garcia overcame self-doubt to become a superstar.
Garcia’s transformation included a crucial tweak to his batting stance, introducing a toe-tap that helped him regain confidence. His 2025 season was a revelation, posting career highs with a .286 average, 16 home runs, and 74 RBIs, earning him an All-Star nod, a Gold Glove, and MVP votes.
This year, Garcia’s star shone even brighter as he led Venezuela to victory in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, earning MVP honors-a first for a Venezuelan player. “It’s a dream come true for him, for me, for our family,” Acuña said, celebrating their hometown’s pride in having three MVPs.
The WBC spotlight was theirs, and now, as they face off in the MLB, that competitive spirit continues. “I just want to beat them and beat him,” Garcia playfully declared about his cousin’s Braves. Yet, beneath the rivalry lies a deep-rooted camaraderie.
“He’s a superstar and a good person outside the stadium,” Acuña concluded, underscoring the enduring bond between these two remarkable athletes, living their dreams on baseball’s grandest stages.