Matt Olson gave Braves fans a show, but fell just short in Home Run Derby

All-Star week is well underway with the Atlanta Braves hosting the 2025 festivities. There was excitement over the weekend with the Futures Game and the MLB Draft. However, fans were looking forward most to the Home Run Derby and All-Star Game.

Ronald Acuna Jr. was originally slated to participate, but after feeling some back tightness last weekend, he decided to only appear in the All-Star Game. He was replaced by his teammate Matt Olson last minute, who has looked forward to this moment most of his life.

Olson was in attendance during the Home Run Derby in 2000 when Atlanta last hosted the event. He received a warm reception from the fans when he was announced. I imagine that was a goosebump-inducing moment for Olson.

Atlanta's lefty slugger went last in the first round, and it started out rough as he didn't hit a home run in the first 30 seconds. He recovered after his timeout and slugged his way to 15 homers before the bonus round. The energy was electric when Olson and Eddie Perez finally got into a groove.

Matt Olson eliminated in the first round of the Home Run Derby

Unfortunately, he wasn't able to hit three more homers to advance to the second round. It was still an extremely special moment, but it continued the Braves' inability to produce a winner in the Home Run Derby.

The second round includes Georgia native Byron Buxton, Rays slugger Junior Caminero, AL home run leader Cal Raleigh, and Pirates standout Oneil Cruz. Cruz is probably a massive favorite as he mashed a mind-blowing 513-foot home run to right center field in the first round.

Olson did the best he could, but fans will hope he can save the biggest home runs for the second half. He has been one of the few bright spots during a tumultuous season.

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