The hometown favorite, Acuña has been one of the best hitters in the majors since returning from his second ACL surgery. This will be his third career Home Run Derby; he lost to Mets first baseman Pete Alonso in both 2019 and 2022. With the event taking place in Atlanta, the timing is right for him to finally take the prize.

Minnesota Twins star Byron Buxton, a Georgia native, will partake in the 2025 Home Run Derby. Major League Baseball made the announcement on Monday, a week before the Derby is slated to be held at Truist Park,

Major League Baseball’s 2025 All-Star Game in Atlanta is taking shape with this week’s announcement of starters and full rosters for the American and National League teams.

Thus far, the players announced to be participating include Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr., Seattle Mariners catcher and MLB's current home run leader Cal Raleigh, and Washington Nationals outfielder James Wood, though there are more names set to be revealed in the coming days.

Two-time champ Pete Alonso of the New York Mets told reporters Sunday that he will skip the Home Run Derby in Atlanta, adding "I have never really fully enjoyed the three off-days, so I just want to be in the best possible position to help this team win.