Ronald Acuña Jr. loves the home run derby, and I don’t even need him to say it to know that. Even while he wasn’t even close to 100% last season, he participated, losing to Pete Alonso in the first round. He’s one of the most powerful bats in all of baseball, and eventually, he should find his way into the winner’s circle… but not this year.
In an interview before the start of the Braves pivotal series versus the second place Marlins, Acuña was asked about potentially participating in the derby for a third time, to which he responded:
“I think this year I’m going to take a break from it,” Acuña said. “I think there’s other players out there that deserve to be a part of it and be showcased it. Who knows, maybe I’ll do it again in coming years.”
Acuña on the HR Derby: “I think this year I’m going to take a break from it. I think there’s other players out there that deserve to be a part of it and be showcased it. Who knows, maybe I’ll do it again in coming years” #Braves
— Kevin McAlpin (@KevinMcAlpin) June 30, 2023
It doesn’t matter if it’s an exhibition game, a home run derby, or putt putt — if my favorite players are participating, I’ll be tuning in. I would have loved to see Acuña give it another crack in Seattle, especially since he’s healthy again, but at the same time, I understand why he’s open to giving other players that opportunity.
Unlike the slam dunk contest in basketball, where the NBA basically has to beg players to participate, the home run derby is something nearly every MLB player dreams about as a kid. There are plenty of other worthy contestants, perhaps even another player from the Braves, and it’s not like Acuña won’t have more opportunities. He’s only 25 years old, and due to his popularity, Major League Baseball would love for him to be on the stage with the world watching whenever he desires.
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Photo: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
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