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.

Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, who currently ranks second in MLB with 29 home runs, told reporters on Saturday he doesn't plan to compete in the 2025 Home Run Derby.

MLB Home Run Derby will take place on July 14, and the eight-player field is starting to come into view. Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. was the first to commit to the event, to be held at his home park of Truist Field in Atlanta,