Atlanta Braves superstar Ronald Acuña Jr. was officially announced as the first participant in this year’s Home Run Derby on Wednesday, leaving seven more spots available for MLB’s top power hitters. Speaking through an interpreter on ESPN, Acuña said Atlanta fans played a big role in his decision to take part.
Despite hitting just nine home runs so far this season—after returning in late May from a torn ACL—Acuña is expected to have the lowest homer count among Derby participants. The reigning 2023 MVP suffered the injury on May 26 last year and only made his comeback on May 23 of this season.
This will mark Acuña’s third time competing in the Derby, having previously participated in 2019 and 2022. On both occasions, he was eliminated by division rival Pete Alonso, a two-time champion of the event.
If Acuña takes home the trophy this year, he would become the first Braves player in franchise history to win the Home Run Derby.
The 2024 Derby is set for July 14 and comes with a \$1 million grand prize. Last year’s winner, Teoscar Hernández of the Los Angeles Dodgers, took the crown after defeating Kansas City Royals star Bobby Witt Jr. in the final round.
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