With the 2026 Home Run Derby in the books, it is fair to begin to look ahead and wonder which Braves players have the best chance to take part in the event next season. As difficult as it is to believe, with the team's long list of accomplished sluggers, the franchise has never had a Braves player win the event. It makes it clear this is an accolade fans would love to see added to the team's history books at some point in the upcoming seasons.
This leads us to look at which current Atlanta players could follow in the footsteps of Jordan Walker and be a surprise contender in next year's derby. Starting with a player who has unquestionable power but is mired in a slump dating back to the start of the 2026 season.
1. Austin Riley
Let's set aside the year that the third baseman is having and simply consider the raw power the infielder has flashed. This isn't to debate what is happening this season, but rather to consider what the best version of Riley might accomplish in the event. The new format of 20 swings in the first round doesn't punish home run hitters that aren't able to simply crank out line drives over the wall. Riley would unquestionably have a chance and be a dark horse winner if he were able to turn his career around.
While fans might be hesitant to admit it due to current frustrations, even this current version of Riley would be entertaining in the Derby. When the pressure is taken away and you're simply taking batting practice in front of a loud crowd, there is no question Riley's incredible power puts him in the conversation.
2. Ronald Acuna Jr.
While we've seen Acuna in the event in years past, it wasn't in its current format. It would be fitting to put the star outfielder in this format, given the elite entertainer he has proven to be. Acuna would have a chance to make a deep run and give the Braves a clear chance of winning it all. Even with the past failures in the event, there is no question the level of respect and trust Atlanta fans have for the 2023 MVP.
There simply is far too much ability to doubt what Acuna is capable of, no matter his past failure. Seeing the star outfielder healthy and able to take the field for next year's Derby would unquestionably be welcomed by Braves fans.
3. Drake Baldwin
Before Baldwin's injury, the catcher was on an MVP pace and putting the ball out of the park with regularity. While the power numbers have slowed, Atlanta fans have seen what the backstop is capable of when he is at his best. The young star is yet to get an opportunity to take part in the event due to having spent so little time in the league.
The talent is there, and the Braves' most likely participant in future seasons is the star catcher. No question, Baldwin has the talent and swing to win the Derby and could easily become the first Braves player in MLB history to take home the trophy.
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