Atlanta Braves have HR Derby contender

Atlanta Braves star slugger Marcell Ozuna will once again participate in All-Star festivities. It was announced Monday that he will participate in this year’s Home Run Derby.

This is Ozuna’s first appearance in the Home Run Derby and the first Braves player to participate since Ronal Acuna Jr. in 2022. He will be the 11th Braves player to participate in the event.

Ozuna is certainly a prime candidate to compete in the derby. His 23 home runs rank fourth in MLB and second in the National League. A solid continuation after hitting 40 home runs for the first time in his career just a year ago.

Ozuna is the fifth player to sign, joining Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., Mets first baseman and two-time derby champion Pete Alonso, Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson and Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm.

The three remaining participants will be announced in the coming days.

The National League East is well represented this year, to say the least.

Ozuna is playing in his third All-Star Game and his first since representing the Marlins in back-to-back years in 2016 and 2017.

The Home Run Derby will take place on Monday, July 15 at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, the same venue as the 94th MLB All-Star Game the following day. The event will begin at 8 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on ESPN.