3 players that Atlanta Braves fans wish were a part of the 2023 Home Run Derby

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Before looking at the Atlanta Braves best suited for the upcoming Home Run Derby in Seattle, it is worth noting that, in some ways, it is relieving not to have an Atlanta player in the bracket. With how well this lineup is clicking and the consistency they are approaching the game with, it is understandable not to risk an injury or changing your swing for the fan-favorite event.

There is conflicting information on whether or not the Home Run Derby truly impacts a player’s swing or production in the weeks after the event. In truth, this all depends on the player, his approach, and the situation.

Without an Atlanta Brave in the Home Run Derby, any of this debate or concern goes away. In seasons past, this could have been viewed differently. However, with the Braves clearly the National League favorites, it isn’t worth doing anything that could cause injury or disrupt an offense that has been on a torrid pace since the start of June.

With this all in mind, let’s take a look at three Atlanta Braves that would clearly thrive in the derby this season with a chance to bring more hardware home to Atlanta.

Jun 24, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Atlanta Braves designated hitter Marcell Ozuna (20) celebrates with third base coach Ron Washington (37) after hitting a solo home run in the seventh inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports /

An Atlanta Braves player who could be in the Home Run Derby: Marcell Ozuna

After a dismal start to the season, Ozuna started to fit into this lineup, hitting 17 homers and drastically improving his approach at the plate. With massive power, Ozuna would be an interesting wild card in the bracket. While there are Braves with far better contact rates, Ozuna has as much raw power as any hitter Atlanta could send.

Ozuna was at the top of the league in homers in a pandemic-shortened 2020 season and hit a career-high 37 homers in the 2017 season with the Miami Marlins.

Marcell isn’t the most popular Atlanta Braves player due to off-the-field issues and it was a very questionable decision to keep the veteran on the roster. It was one the Braves made obviously based not on Ozuna himself but also based on the contract and the expected production that he is now providing.

Regardless of the questionable front-office decision-making, there is no question that Ozuna is one of the most powerful bats in the Braves lineup and would be an interesting option at this point in his career.

Aug 31, 2022; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley (27) celebrates with first baseman Matt Olson (right) after defeating the Colorado Rockies at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Larry Robinson-USA TODAY Sports /

An Atlanta Braves player who could be in the Home Run Derby: Matt Olson

Say what you will about Olson’s consistent strikeout and low average, but when it comes to driving runners in or hitting the ball out of the park, Olson has been the best at both. It is very helpful to bat behind Ronald Acuna Jr. in that the likely MVP is consistently on base and, if not on an extra-base hit, usually steals his way into scoring position.

Olson leads the National League in RBI and homers, only trailing the entire league by two homers behind Shohei Ohtani and one RBI behind Adolis Garcia. This is by far Olson’s most impressive season when it comes to power numbers, already having 29 homers and showing no signs of slowing down.

While you wouldn’t want to mess with Olson’s swing, the idea of him in the Home Run Derby is by far the most exciting of Atlanta’s obvious options. The only issue for Olson would be the fact that his homers are simply hit far too well.

Hitting blasts that would take far too long to come down for the next pitch in a Derby event that is completely focused on consistent quick home run swings. Regardless, Olson would be fun to watch in the event and is more than deserving of a slot.

Jul 4, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Atlanta Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies (1) celebrates his solo home run with first baseman Matt Olson (28) in the ninth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

An Atlanta Braves player who could be in the Home Run Derby: Ozzie Albies

While this spot would be expected to go to Acuna (and rightly so), the Braves young star has made it clear that for now he is focused on Atlanta’s season and perhaps will take part in a future Derby. Acuna is a great option but isn’t the interesting wild card that Ozzie Albies could be.

Albies is currently tied for sixth for the league lead in homers and on a bit of a power surge of late. Despite his stature and compact swing, Albies has shocking power and the exact type of quick home run swing that could do very well in this version of the Home Run Derby.

The Braves second baseman has 22 homers on the season and appears to be well on his way to setting a new career-high. Albies previously hit 30 homers two seasons ago, a number he is likely to soar past if he avoids any major slumps.

Atlanta’s lineup is stocked with power options and Albies might not be the first name that comes to mind. However, there is no question the second baseman would put on a show if ever given the chance.

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