Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. made history on Wednesday by becoming the first player to officially declare for the 2025 Home Run Derby. This announcement came shortly before he took the field against the New York Mets. The exciting event is scheduled to occur on July 14 at Truist Park, the home stadium of the Braves in Cumberland, Georgia.
Acuña, 27, expressed his gratitude for the support from his hometown fans, stating, “I’m Ronald Acuña Jr. because of them.” This marks his third participation in the Derby, having previously competed in 2019 and 2022, where he faced elimination at the hands of Pete Alonso from the Mets both times. Despite past losses, Acuña had hinted at his desire to participate again if invited by the league.
Since returning from a torn ACL that cut his 2024 season short, Acuña has showcased impressive performance on the field. Over the course of 29 games, he has posted a remarkable batting line of .385/.496/.692, which translates to a staggering OPS+ of 227. Acuña has tallied nine home runs, 16 RBIs, and has successfully stolen four bases in as many attempts. His impact on the team is reflected in an estimated contribution of 2 Wins Above Replacement, according to data from Baseball Reference.
While Acuña may not lead the Braves in home runs—tied for fourth with Sean Murphy—behind Matt Olson, Austin Riley, and Marcell Ozuna, he remains a prominent figure in the Braves lineup. As a former MVP, four-time All-Star, and recipient of multiple awards, including the Rookie of the Year and three Silver Slugger Awards, Acuña’s star power makes him a fitting representative for the home crowd.
While he is the first to officially enter the Derby, several other players have shown interest in participating. Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, currently leading the majors in home runs, along with Baltimore Orioles first baseman Ryan O’Hearn, have both indicated a willingness to join. In contrast, notable players such as Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees and breakout Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong have declined the invitation.
This year’s Derby is shaping up to be an exciting event, with Acuña’s anticipated participation and the potential for more star players to join in, promising a thrilling display of power hitting for fans to enjoy.