With the 2025 All-Star game and Home Run Derby taking place at Truist Park in Atlanta, Ronald Acuña Jr. threw his name into the mix. The Home Run Derby is one of the week’s highlights, right before the All-Star Game. Many MLB players decline to participate in the Derby, but Acuña boldly stated his thoughts as the Atlanta Braves player recently returned from injury.
Ronald Acuña Jr. Would Love to Participate in the Home Run Derby
After crushing eight home runs in his first 92 at-bats, the 27-year-old hasn’t missed a step since returning from injury. His .391 average and 1.200 OPS might come with a small sample size, but it’s clear that Acuña Jr. hasn’t missed a beat. After the series finale in Miami, the Braves have just six more series before the All-Star break is here.
Ronald Acuña Jr. nos dijo en @ElExtrabase que quiere participar en el Home Run Derby si @MLB le hace la invitación.
Ronald Acuña Jr. told us in @ElExtrabase that he’ll participate in the Home Run Derby in Atlanta if he gets invited. pic.twitter.com/Q6UmLNWEcG
— Daniel Álvarez-Montes (@DanielAlvarezEE) June 20, 2025
When talking to El Extrabase, Acuña Jr. told them he would love to participate in the Home Run Derby if invited. Competing in his home ballpark makes it much easier, as the right-handed hitter knows Truist Park inside and out. Throughout his eight-year MLB career, Acuña Jr. has only played for the Braves.
Even though his 2024 season was cut short, Acuña Jr. proves he can still be a difference-maker. He came back at a crucial time as the Braves continue to win, yet they’re 10 games back in the National League East Division. It will be extremely hard for them to catch either the Philadelphia Phillies or New York Mets as both teams share a 46-31 record.
Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh continues to make history with his 30 home runs, and he’s openly expressed interest in competing in the Home Run Derby. Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani will likely sit out, even though they’re in the top three for home run hitters. Eugenio Suarez of the Arizona Diamondbacks is tied with Ohtani at 25 home runs, as only eight players have 20+.
Pete Crow-Armstrong is one of the names with over 20 home runs as the Chicago Cubs’ electric outfielder has been getting everyone’s attention. Undoubtedly, this year’s field will be filled with exciting talent.
It’s just a matter of whether or not Acuña Jr. deserves to be in the field. Knowing how much work and how many more games and at-bats these other players have had, someone could get snubbed just for Acuña to be the hometown hero.
That’s not to say that Acuña Jr. doesn’t deserve it. He had to endure a brutal injury recovery process to get back to this point. What he’s done upon his return is equally impressive, with a couple of weeks to decide the Home Run Derby bracket.