Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. honored a pre-World Baseball Classic wager by wearing a Juan Soto Team Dominican Republic basketball jersey. The gesture came ahead of the Braves' season-opening game against the Royals at Truist Park. It followed Dominican Republic's victory over Venezuela in pool play.
Ronald Acuña Jr., the Atlanta Braves outfielder, fulfilled a friendly bet with New York Mets star Juan Soto from this year's World Baseball Classic. The two agreed before the tournament: the loser of the Venezuela-Dominican Republic pool play matchup would wear the winner's gear. On March 11 in Miami, Team Dominican Republic defeated Team Venezuela 7-5, with Soto hitting one of four home runs in the win. Venezuela later claimed the title by beating Team USA in the final. Acuña arrived at Truist Park on Friday, before the Braves' opener against the Kansas City Royals, sporting a No. 22 Team Dominican Republic basketball jersey belonging to Soto. The lighthearted exchange highlights the camaraderie between the National League rivals.
