Ronald Acuña Jr. upheld his end of a friendly wager with Juan Soto by sporting a Team Dominican Republic basketball jersey.
The Braves outfielder arrived at the Braves Opening Day wearing the jersey.
The Background to the Jersey Wager
Prior to this year’s World Baseball Classic, Acuña Jr. and Juan Soto, an NL East rival, made a friendly wager.
If Acuña and Team Venezuela beat Soto and Team Dominican Republic when they faced each other in pool play, Soto would wear Venezuela gear. Should the Dominicans win, Acuña would sport one of their jerseys.
Team Dominican Republic prevailed in that game on March 11 in Miami, with a score of 7-5. Soto contributed one of his club’s four homers in the win.
Venezuela later captured the title by beating Team USA in the gold medal game, though Acuña did get the last Classic laugh.
Acuña Pays the Price
Acuña paid up on his deal with Soto on Friday. He arrived at Truist Park before the Braves’ season-opening game versus the Royals wearing a Team Dominican Republic basketball jersey.
It was a No. 22 Soto jersey.
Acuña Jr. is a man of his word.