Matt Olson Replaces Ronald Acuna Jr. in Home Run Derby

Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson will replace teammate Ronald Acuna Jr. in the Home Run Derby on Monday. This marks Olson's second Home Run Derby participation, after he participated in 2021 with the Oakland Athletics. Olson has been a premier power hitter, with 173 homers since 2021 and leading the majors in 2023 with 54 home runs. He will join Jazz Chisholm Jr., Cal Raleigh, Brent Rooker, Oneil Cruz, James Wood, Byron Buxton, and Junior Caminero in the derby.

Title: Matt Olson to Replace Ronald Acuna Jr. in 2025 MLB Home Run Derby

Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson will replace teammate Ronald Acuna Jr. in the Home Run Derby on Monday, July 2, 2025. This marks Olson's second Home Run Derby participation, after he competed in 2021 with the Oakland Athletics. Olson has been a premier power hitter, with 173 homers since 2021 and leading the majors in 2023 with 54 home runs. He will join Jazz Chisholm Jr., Cal Raleigh, Brent Rooker, Oneil Cruz, James Wood, Byron Buxton, and Junior Caminero in the derby.

Olson's inclusion comes after Acuna Jr. was scratched from the lineup due to back tightness, which is likely to be a factor in his decision to withdraw from the Home Run Derby. Acuna Jr. had been set to be the event's hometown hero, but the Braves decided to err on the side of caution to avoid any potential injury during the physically taxing event.

The Home Run Derby will take place at Truist Park in Atlanta, with the event set to begin at 8 p.m. ET on Monday. The format for this year's event will be the same as last year, with all eight hitters competing to reach the top four, with a limit of 40 pitches across three minutes plus three bonus outs. The four advancing hitters will then be seeded for the semifinal and final rounds.

Olson's participation in the Home Run Derby is an opportunity for him to showcase his power hitting skills. He has been a consistent performer at the plate, and his inclusion in the event highlights his status as one of the league's premier power hitters.

The Home Run Derby is an annual event that allows fans to see some of the best power hitters in the league compete in a unique format. This year's event promises to be an exciting one, with a diverse group of players from both the American and National Leagues.

References:
[1] https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/breaking-news/article/home-run-derby-2025-field-matt-olson-replaces-braves-teammate-ronald-acuna-jr-181017867.html
[2] https://www.reuters.com/sports/reports-matt-olson-replace-ronald-acuna-jr-home-run-derby-2025-07-12/
[3] https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/braves-get-ronald-acuna-jr-back-for-clash-vs-athletics/