Atlanta's hometown hero will be taking part in this year's Home Run Derby.
Braves superstar outfielder Ronald Acuna is set to join in on the annual bashing bonanza, MLB announced Wednesday, making him the first player to stake his claim at this year's competition.
The 27-year-old has been on an absolute tear this season, tearing the cover off the ball with a .385 batting average and nine home runs in 29 games after returning from an ACL tear that sidelined him since early last season.
Acuna, the 2023 NL MVP, only made his return to the diamond in late May but has re-established himself as one of the best hitters and most dynamic players in baseball. Along with his round-trippers, the four-time All-Star has 16 RBIs, four stolen bases and is putting up an absurd 1.188 OPS.
This will be the third time that the Venezuelan superstar takes part in the Home Run Derby after suiting up in 2019 and 2022. He only advanced past the first round in 2019, beating Josh Bell, but was knocked out by eventual winner Pete Alonso in the second.
However, the rules for the Derby have changed since he last took part, with MLB eliminating the tournament-style bracket. After the first round, the top four hitters will advance to the second round, wherein the top two will move on to the final.
Teoscar Hernandez of the Los Angeles Dodgers won it last year, beating Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. in the final.
This year's All-Star weekend will take place in Atlanta from July 12-15. The Home Run Derby is scheduled for Sunday, July 13.
