Ronald Acuña Jr. was the first of eight participants to commit to the 2025 Home Run Derby, but he’s been replaced by Atlanta Braves teammate Matt Olson.
Acuña is still going to start in the outfield for the National League team in the All-Star Game on July 15. Acuña withdrew from the Derby one day after the field was fully set due experiencing back tightness this week that forced him to be scratched from the Braves’ lineup.
Olson is competing in the Home Run Derby for a second time in his career, but first instance as a member of the Braves. He previously participated while with the Oakland Athletics in 2021.
This year was going to be Acuña’s third time in the Home Run Derby.
Now it’s Olson who can become the first player to win the annual event at his home ballpark since Bryce Harper did so in 2018 at Nationals Park. In total there have been three players to ever win a Home Run Derby in his home stadium.
In addition to Harper, Todd Frazier accomplished the feat in 2015 at Great American Ballpark as a member of the Cincinnati Reds, and Ryne Sandberg of the Chicago Cubs did the same at Wrigley Field in 1990.
Olson’s appearance marks the 27th by a player from the All-Star Game host team. This year also marks the 11th in the past 12 Home Run Derby events that a hometown slugger has participated.
Furthermore, Olson is the 12th different Braves player to partake in the Home Run Derby, and the franchise’s overall 15th appearance. Olson is looking to become the first player in Braves franchise history to win a Home Run Derby.
Teoscar Hernández accomplished that with the Los Angeles Dodgers last year, but passed on an opportunity to defend his title in the interest of health and focusing on the second half of the season.
Home Run Derby field 2025
Players committed to the Home Run Derby at Truist Park are Matt Olson, Cal Raleigh, James Wood, Byron Buxton, Oneil Cruz, Junior Caminero, Brent Rooker and Jazz Chisholm Jr.
The 2025 Home Run Derby is on Monday, July 14, and will be televised exclusively by ESPN.
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