The 2025 MLB Home Run Derby in Atlanta will have its hometown hero.
Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. became the first announced participant for the Derby on Wednesday, with seven spots remaining open for the rest of MLB’s sluggers. Acuña credited the Atlanta fans for being a major reason he’s participating, via an interpreter on ESPN:
“I’m even more excited to be doing it at home in Atlanta in front of our fans. They’re a big reason why I’m doing this. I think I’m Ronald Acuña Jr. because of their continued support, so I’m just excited to be able to go back home and do this for them.”
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With nine homers entering Wednesday — he made his long-awaited return from an ACL tear last month — Acuña is likely to have the lowest long ball total of any player. The 2023 MVP went down with the injury on May 26 of last year and didn’t return until May 23 this season.
Naturally, he announced his return to MLB with a first-pitch homer.
This will be Acuña’s third career appearance in the Derby after competing in 2019 and 2022. In both events, he lost to division rival Pete Alonso, a two-time winner of the event.
Acuña would be the first Derby winner in Braves history.
Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández won the Derby last year, beating Kansas City Royals star Bobby Witt Jr. in the finals. This year’s event will be held July 14, with a $1 million prize for the winner.
