A player either hitting 40 HR home runs or tallying 40 stolen bases in a given season is an incredible feat. A player hitting 40 HRs and stealing 40 bases, however, is a near impossible accomplishment that is guaranteed to immortalize that player in baseball history. In the long and storied history of the MLB, this feat has only been achieved four times. In 1988, Jose Canseco hit 42 HR and had 40 SB, making him the first player to ever join the 40/40 club. Then Barry Bonds joined in 1996 (42 HR, 40 SB), Alex Rodriguez in 1998 (42 HR, 46 SB), and most recently Alfonso Soriano in 2006 (46 HR, 41 SB). Recently, in 2011, Dodgers OF Matt Kemp attempted to break into the club but ultimately fell short by only one HR. Kemp ended the season with 39 HR and 40 SB. Since then, there has been little threat to the exclusive list. But now, a young star OF has the chance to become the fifth member of baseball’s illustrious 40/40 club. His name: Ronald Acuña Jr.
Acuña had one of the best first halves in MLB history. The Atlanta slugger is hitting .337 with 21 HR and an OPS+ of 166. Acuña was named an All Star Captain and is the odds on favorite to win NL MVP. However, what makes Acuña the perfect candidate to join the 40/40 club is the fact that he already tallied 41 SB. That means in the 73 remaining games, the best hitter in baseball only needs to hit 19 HR to achieve a 40/40 season. Acuña nearly joined the club in 2019 when he hit 41 HR, but he came a mere 3 SB shy. Now, in 2023, He is out to finally accomplish this remarkable feat. ESPN projects Acuña to end the season with exactly 40 HR, making him the fifth player to ever hit 40 HR and steal 40 bases. Assuming Ronald can stay healthy, it is likely that we will witness history this MLB season.
Now, Ronald Acuña is not the only person who can profit from his incredible season. Draft Kings is currently offering a special on Acuña:
Will Ronald Acuña Jr. Join the 40/40 club?
Yes (+125)
No (-135)
If you believe that Acuña can stay healthy for the remaining __ games this season, betting Yes is great value. Considering he already has the required 40 SB and the fact that he came very close a few seasons prior, I believe that Acuña is more motivated than ever to be the first member of the 40/40 club since 2006.