Ronald Acuña Jr. is set to make his much-anticipated return to the Home Run Derby, and this time, it’s happening on his home turf. The Atlanta Braves superstar confirmed on ESPN’s SportsCenter that he will compete in the 2025 Home Run Derby on July 14 at Truist Park.
The event marks a symbolic return for the Venezuelan outfielder, who missed most of the 2024 season with a torn ACL. Now healthy, Acuña is looking to make a powerful statement—literally—in one of MLB’s most popular midseason showcases.
This will be Acuña’s third appearance in the Derby, and his excitement was evident during the announcement. “I’m super happy to be competing in my third Derby and even more so to be doing it in front of the best fans in baseball, in Braves Country,” Acuña said through an interpreter, according to MLB.com. “I’m super excited.”
How many Home Run derbies has Acuña competed in?
Acuña previously competed in the 2019 and 2022 editions of the Home Run Derby. He eliminated Josh Bell in the first round of the 2019 event with 25 home runs but fell to Pete Alonso by a narrow 20-19 margin in the second round. In 2022, Acuña faced Alonso again, this time at Dodger Stadium, and once again lost by a 20-19 score in the first round.
Despite not advancing past the semifinals in either appearance, Acuña has consistently showcased his elite power, particularly his ability to drive the ball to all fields.
What makes this year’s Derby special for Acuña?
This year’s event carries special meaning, as Acuña will perform in front of a home crowd at Truist Park. He called the opportunity “a tremendous level of confidence from all the fans who are there supporting you.” Acuña has hit nine home runs in just 107 at-bats since returning from injury on May 23 and is on pace to surpass 25 home runs despite missing the Braves’ first 49 games.
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In addition, Braves bullpen catcher Jose Yepez will serve as his pitcher during the competition. The synergy between batter and pitcher is crucial in the Derby, and Yepez’s familiarity with Acuña could provide an edge.
What’s at stake in 2025?
Although the full list of Derby participants hasn’t been announced yet, Acuña made it clear that his primary focus is “to put on a good show.” The 26-year-old remains one of the game’s most electric players, and despite two surgically repaired knees, his swing hasn’t lost its pop.
Acuña leads MLB with 24 home runs of 450 feet or more since his rookie season in 2018, including postseason games. That’s more than Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani, who are tied at 22. If there’s any stage for a long-distance power display, it’s this one.
Recapping Acuña’s MVP-level career
In 2023, Acuña recorded one of the most impressive individual seasons in league history, blasting 41 home runs and stealing 73 bases—a feat never before achieved in a single campaign. Despite a torn right ACL that ended his 2021 season just days before the All-Star break, he has consistently proven to be one of the league’s most dynamic players.
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As Atlanta prepares to host the All-Star festivities, fans are hoping Acuña’s Derby performance eclipses that of Chipper Jones, who managed just two home runs in the 2000 Derby at Turner Field. Whether or not Acuña brings home the Derby title, the fireworks are all but guaranteed.
