Byron Buxton, raised as a fan of the 1990s Atlanta Braves, has had an extraordinary journey in baseball. Now an All-Star outfielder for the Minnesota Twins, Buxton's transition from infield to outfield exemplified his versatility. Despite his talent, injuries have hampered his career, with only two seasons exceeding 100 games. However, 2025 marks a turning point, as Buxton has reached significant milestones—hitting for the cycle on his bobblehead day and stealing his 100th base. With family and fans rallying in Atlanta for the All-Star festivities, Buxton embraces the moment, ready to swing for the fences.

The return of the All-Star Game to Atlanta has stirred controversy, particularly due to the state's voting laws, which remain unchanged since MLB initially withdrew the event in 2021. National League manager Dave Roberts, who supported the league's decision to move the game, deflected questions about the political implications, expressing a desire to focus on the players. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the Braves' organization and the quality of Atlanta's facilities.

Roberts had previously been vocal about the importance of addressing social issues in sports, yet his recent silence on such matters has drawn criticism. Despite a visit to the White House with former President Trump, he failed to comment on controversial topics like recent protests in Los Angeles. This ongoing tension reflects the complexities athletes face in navigating social responsibility while maintaining focus on their roles in the game.

The 2023 MLB draft kicked off with the Washington Nationals selecting Eli Willits as the first overall pick, while the spotlight often shines brightest on the first few rounds, the depths of the draft reveal intriguing talent. Among the notable non-first-round selections from the three-day event, several players stand out for their potential impact. The Arizona Diamondbacks grabbed right-handed pitcher Brian Curley, a standout from Georgia, who impressed with his strikeout rate and spin rate. The Athletics secured Devin Taylor from Indiana, whose impressive collegiate batting average and power numbers suggest he could be a valuable asset in the lineup.

The Braves selected lefty Briggs McKenzie, a prep pitcher known for his potential velocity increase, while the Orioles’ pick of switch-hitting catcher Caden Bodine reflects a promising addition with elite bat-to-ball skills. Meanwhile, the Red Sox took a chance on Marcus Phillips, a physically imposing right-hander with notable upside. Each of these players has the potential to develop into significant contributors at the major league level, showcasing the depth of talent available beyond the first round.

Tonight, the 2025 MLB Home Run Derby promises to electrify fans as eight elite sluggers showcase their power at Truist Park in Atlanta. Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners leads the pack with 38 home runs this season, just short of Barry Bonds' first-half record. Other contenders include Oneil Cruz from the Pittsburgh Pirates, James Wood of the Washington Nationals, and reigning champion Teoscar Hernández, who made history as a Dodgers player winning the title last year.

The event starts at 8 p.m. ET and can be streamed live on ESPN or Fubo. Each participant has three minutes to hit as many home runs as possible, with an exhilarating new format including bonus time for longer hits. With Raleigh's staggering performance and the introduction of unique rules, this year's Derby is set to be a memorable one.

Major League Baseball's return to Atlanta for the 2025 All-Star Game has sparked questions regarding the state's voting laws, which have faced criticism for restricting access to the ballot. The game was relocated in 2021 due to Georgia's controversial voting legislation, which was labeled by critics, including President Biden, as reminiscent of Jim Crow laws. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred stated that the decision to return to Atlanta was made with consideration of the Braves' strong organizational reputation and a desire to celebrate baseball. The current narrative has shifted, focusing solely on the game and its festivities rather than the political backdrop that initially prompted the relocation.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed enthusiasm for the event, emphasizing the excitement it brings to fans and players alike while steering clear of political commentary. This shift illustrates a broader trend in MLB, where the organization, along with many stakeholders, appears ready to move past the controversies of recent years in favor of celebrating the sport and its community. The 2025 All-Star Game is set to be a spectacle, with the political discourse largely absent from the spotlight.