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.

New York Mets slugger Pete Alonso revealed that he won't be participating in the 2025 MLB Home Run Derby. “I just decided not to do it this year,” Alonso said, per Tim Britton of The Athletic. “I have never really fully enjoyed the three off-days,

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, the regular-season home of the Atlanta Braves.

Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Oneil Cruz announced his entry into the Derby on Tuesday, joining Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuna Jr., Seattle Mariners slugger Cal Raleigh, Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton and Washington Nationals outfielder James Wood.

Pirates center fielder Oneil Cruz will take part in the 2025 Home Run Derby, set to take place at the Atlanta Braves’ Truist Park on Monday, July 14.