In a jaw-dropping display of athleticism, Atlanta Braves superstar Ronald Acuna Jr. unleashed what might just be the throw of the year during a 7-3 victory over the New York Yankees on Friday night at Truist Park. With the Braves leading 3-0 in the third inning, Acuna turned a routine fly ball into a game-defining moment.

Positioned in right field, Acuna caught a high fly off the bat of Cody Bellinger just a step from the warning track. With runners on base and the Yankees threatening to tie, the tension was palpable. But Acuna had other plans. As soon as the ball hit his glove, he pivoted and launched a missile to third base—off his back foot, no less. The throw was a laser, never touching the ground, and caught the tagging runner, Jorbit Vivas, completely off guard for a stunning double play.

The play was a masterclass in deception, with Braves third baseman Nacho Alvarez Jr. playing his part by acting as if no throw was coming—until it did, tagging Vivas out in one fluid motion. Yankees manager Aaron Boone didn’t mince words, calling it a lesson for Vivas, who looked baffled after failing to slide. It was a costly miscue for the Yankees, especially with powerhouse Aaron Judge waiting on deck, ready to potentially knot the game with one swing.

Braves manager Brian Snitker couldn’t hide his awe, describing Acuna’s accuracy as downright ‘stupid’—in the best possible way. He hailed Acuna as a weapon in right field, with an arm that’s not just strong but terrifyingly precise. Acuna himself, speaking through an interpreter, credited his anticipation, saying he’s always focused on predicting the play before it unfolds. And with an arm like that, who needs anything else?

As the Braves (43-53) gear up for the next game in this three-game series against the Yankees (53-44) on Saturday at 7:15 p.m. ET, all eyes will be on Acuna. If this throw is any indication, he’s not just playing baseball—he’s rewriting the highlight reel.

Atlanta Braves News

Braves’ Ronald Acuna Jr. Stuns Yankees with Jaw-Dropping Throw for Double Play