Ronald Acuña Jr. is back in a big way for the Atlanta Braves — and he’s not just easing into the spotlight, he’s owning it. Less than two months after making his return from a torn ACL, Acuña has officially accepted an invitation to participate in the 2025 Home Run Derby, which will take place at Truist Park, right in the heart of Braves Country.
Acuña Adds Braves Firepower to All-Star Festivities
Whether he starts in the outfield for the National League or not, Acuña will be a main event in this year’s All-Star celebration. The moment he said yes on ESPN’s SportsCenter, the Home Run Derby gained instant electricity.
The last time the All-Star festivities were in Atlanta? Never, actually — this is Truist Park’s debut as host, and what better way to anchor it than with the face of the franchise launching baseballs into the Georgia night?
This will be Acuña’s third Derby appearance, and fans haven’t forgotten the drama of his past showings. In 2019, he blasted his way past Josh Bell in the opening round before running into the Pete Alonso buzzsaw in the semis. Fast forward to 2022 — different year, same result. Alonso again played spoiler. Which begs the question: could this be the year Acuña finally gets his revenge?
Let’s just say if Alonso joins the bracket, we might be in for a rubber match with real fireworks.
The Numbers Behind the Surge
Of course, this isn’t just a feel-good comeback story. Acuña’s current performance demands attention. Since returning, he’s posted an absurd .385/.496/.692 slash line over 29 games, good for a 225 wRC+.
That’s MVP-level production, and it’s come without the usual post-injury ramp-up most players need after a major knee injury. He’s already launched nine home runs, tied for fourth on the Braves despite missing nearly two months of action.
Oh, and Atlanta’s played 78 games total. Acuña has appeared in less than 40% of them — and he’s already climbed his way into the team’s power conversation. That’s wild.
All-Star Game and HR Derby in Atlanta
With the Home Run Derby coming to his home stadium, the moment feels tailor-made for Acuña to steal the show. He’s healthy’. He’s hot. ‘s on fire, and he’s comfortable under the lights. And this year, it’s not about making a name — it’s about reclaiming a spotlight that injury briefly dimmed.
So, whether he’s flipping his bat in the first round or taking his cuts under pressure in the finals, Ronald Acuña Jr. is about to give Braves fans something to remember — and maybe, just maybe, take down Pete Alonso along the way.
