"You sit there talking to the catcher" - When Ronald Acuna Jr. and Juan Soto bickered with each other over their home run celebrations
Ronald Acuna Jr. and Juan Soto are two of the game's most exciting players. Between the two of them, they have combined to make eight All-Star Game appearances and hold eight Silver Slugger Awards.
The two have become good friends over the last few years, battling against each other in the National League. So good friends, they know how to get under each other's skin.
During the 2023 season, both sluggers sat down with ESPN's Eduardo Perez for an interview. The two stars playfully went back and forth on who took the most time rounding the bases after a home run.
"He takes two hours, he waves to the dugout, he handshakes the 1st base coach, waves to the bullpen, gives two hops on second, rounding third base he goes left, he goes right, [and] he jumps," said Soto.
Soto was quick to point the finger at Acuna Jr. He believes the former San Diego Padres' slugger does way too much during his home run trot.
"But you sit there talking to the catcher the whole time. And you didn't do that when you were in washington, right?" said Acuna Jr.
Acuna Jr. fired back quickly, saying Soto was no better. While he does not have the same antics Acuna Jr. does, Soto certainly is not sprinting to home plate after launching a baseball 400 feet.
Ronald Acuna Jr. looking to make up for lost time while Juan Soto is ready to get things started with his new club
For Ronald Acuna Jr., the 2024 season is one he would like to forget about. The slugger played in just 49 games before tearing his ACL, which ended his season immediately.
The Braves struggled without their leader on the field. They were also without their young ace, Spencer Strider who underwent season-ending UCL surgery in early April.
Acuna Jr. will enter the 2025 season, looking to make up for missed time. Atlanta is one team fans will want to keep their eye on in 2025.
Juan Soto is looking to get things started with the New York Mets. the two sides recently agreed to a 15-year, $765 million deal, making him the highest-paid player in the game.
Getting paid so much, he will be looking to show his value right away. Do not be surprised if Soto looks to be on a mission all season long in 2025.