Buxton is slashing .270/.334/.544 with 20 home runs and 53 RBIs, and his power numbers have earned him an invitation to his first Home Run Derby next Monday in Cumberland, Ga. On Monday, Buxton offered Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press an adorable account of his son Brixton's plans for the event.

The hometown favorite, Acuña has been one of the best hitters in the majors since returning from his second ACL surgery. This will be his third career Home Run Derby; he lost to Mets first baseman Pete Alonso in both 2019 and 2022. With the event taking place in Atlanta, the timing is right for him to finally take the prize.

Cruz, 26, will join Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero, Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton, Washington Nationals outfielder James Wood, Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh and Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. as the latest participants in the annual slugging contest.