As the midseason point of the MLB calendar approaches, All-Star Week lies just around the corner. While most of the league takes the week off in July, baseball’s top talents will compete in a variety of showcases including the fan-favorite Home Run Derby.
While the full list of players hasn’t yet been announced, one superstar slugger seems locked in for the contest. Per the Braves’ team account, outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. will compete in the 2025 Home Run Derby.
Acuna last competed in the 2019 and 2022 editions of the event, losing to Pete Alonso in the semifinals the first time before again falling to the Mets slugger in the opening round of the more recent contest. Third time may be the charm for Acuna as he takes the field in his home ballpark since the All-Star festivities take place in Atlanta, Georgia.
The outfielder’s numbers leave him more than deserving of another appearance in the Home Run Derby. Following his return in May from an ACL tear suffered last season, Acuna is batting .383 with a .682 slugging percentage and nine home runs over his first 107 at-bats. His excellence since returning makes for one of the MLB’s most exciting success stories and the 27-year-old could even enter the NL MVP conversation if he’s able to continue playing at this level.
The Home Run Derby takes place at Truist Park on July 14. The full field of players hasn’t been announced yet — stay tuned to DraftKings Network for updates, as well as DraftKings Sportsbook for when the event’s betting lines eventually go live.
