The Atlanta Braves first baseman eventually locked in, but he fell short of advancing past the first round of the Home Run Derby

Home Run Derby takes place Monday, July 14 to kick off the MLB All-Star break. The format for this year's competition remains the same as it did in 2024, where the top four hitters from the opening round will advance to the knockout bracket where there will be head-to-head matchups.

Matt Olson helped make the 2025 Home Run Derby a fun event with 15 first round home runs. Now, Ronald Acuna Jr. will take center stage, starting for the National League for the Braves. Acuna Jr. will be batting second and playing left field for the National League on Tuesday night.

Raleigh will become the second-ever player to switch hit in the Derby ( Adley Rutschman in 2023, lost 2nd round), plus no catcher has ever won the derby. This is year 39 of the event, so odds are against Raleigh despite him being the favorite.

Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. was the first to commit to the event, to be held at his home yard, Truist Park in Atlanta. However, one day after the field was finalized, MLB announced that his teammate Matt Olson would replace him.

Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, Matt Olson is a first baseman for the Atlanta Braves. The post Who Is Matt Olson? All to Know About MLB Star: Parents, Wife, Kids and More appeared first on EssentiallySports.

The American and National League players are getting ready for the Home Run Derby. What’s cool is they’re honoring the past. You see Number 19 35, Babe Ruth hit his 714 home run with the Boston Braves. Nearly 40 years later, Hank Aaron broke Ruth’s record with his 715th home run in Atlanta.

When Matt Olson was asked a second time about attending the 2000 Home Run Derby with his parents at Turner Field, Braves teammate Chris Sale quickly turned his head and said, “Wait, you were actually there?