Braves' Matt Olson Replaces Ronald Acuna Jr. in 2025 MLB Home Run Derby Lineup

Matt Olson is set to replace his Atlanta Braves teammate, Ronald Acuña Jr., in the 2025 MLB All-Star Home Run Derby.

The first baseman has recorded 17 home runs, 58 RBI and a .267 batting average. He’ll now represent the Braves in place of his teammate Acuña Jr. in their hometown of Atlanta.

Acuña Jr. will still start in the outfield in the MLB All-Star game, the team reported.

The 31-year-old Olson is in his 10th MLB season and fourth with the Braves after spending six years with the Oakland Athletics.

In 2023, he posted a career-best season, leading all of Major League Baseball with 54 home runs and 139 RBI while recording a .604 slugging percentage. He earned the 2023 Silver Slugger Award and has won two Gold Gloves.

This will be Olson’s third All-Star appearance, having previously been selected in 2021 and 2023, and his second Home Run Derby. He last competed in 2021, falling in the first round in a head-to-head matchup with Trey Mancini, who edged him out six home runs to three. Pete Alonso went on to win the Derby for the second straight year.

Olson will be joining a stacked lineup of Home Run Derby participants, including Seattle’s Cal Raleigh, Washington’s James Wood, Minnesota’s Byron Buxton, Pittsburgh’s Oneil Cruz, Tampa Bay’s Junior Caminero, Oakland’s Brent Rooker and New York’s Jazz Chisholm Jr.

The winner of the Home Run Derby will receive a flashy gold chain featuring the phrase “Keep Swinging.”

MLB revealed the unique prize ahead of the event, opting for style over a traditional trophy to honor this year’s Derby champion.