The countdown to the 2025 MLB T-Mobile Home Run Derby at Truist Park in Atlanta is on, with the event scheduled for July 14 at 8 p.m. ET. Notable absences include Shohei Ohtani, who has expressed doubt about participating due to the rigorous swing demands, and Elly De La Cruz, who has declined the invitation. However, the spotlight will shine brightly on Ronald Acuña Jr. and Cal Raleigh. Acuña, back from ACL surgery, boasts 9 homers this season and seeks redemption after defeats in previous Derbies. Meanwhile, Raleigh leads MLB with 33 home runs, making him a formidable contender as the first switch-hitter in the event since 2023.

The Angels face the Braves in Atlanta, with both teams seeking a crucial win. The Angels, led by Mike Trout, are currently just one game under .500, sitting 2.5 games out of a postseason spot, while the Braves are struggling, 7.5 games behind the Wild Card in the National League. Tyler Anderson takes the mound for Los Angeles, aiming to improve on his 2-5 record and 4.41 ERA, while Didier Fuentes, with a concerning 10.80 ERA, seeks redemption for Atlanta. Recent performances show the Angels winning their last series against the A's and Mariners, while the Braves have had mixed results against the Mets and Phillies. Betting insights suggest leaning towards the Braves for the moneyline and the Angels to cover the spread.

Bobby Bonilla Day resonates with baseball fans, particularly those of the New York Mets, as it marks a day where the franchise pays a retired player over a million dollars annually until 2035. This repartee extends beyond Bonilla, as numerous current players are also set to receive deferred payments worth millions. Among them is Shohei Ohtani, who will cash in a staggering $680 million, showcasing the trend of deferred contracts in Major League Baseball.

Rafael Devers, now a San Francisco Giant, will start receiving payments from 2034 until 2043, while Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman are also primed for significant payouts post-retirement. The Los Angeles Dodgers are known for their deferred payments to former players, creating a culture where such contracts are commonplace. The Mets' Francisco Lindor and Edwin Diaz will also see deferred payments, solidifying the notion that deferred money is a lucrative part of MLB contracts.

As the 2025 MLB draft approaches, Eli Willits and Ethan Holliday are two standout prospects, both coming from baseball lineage. Eli, son of former Los Angeles Angels player Reggie Willits, recently showcased his skills at an Angels workout, where his father not only played but also shared cherished memories of childhood practices. With the Angels holding the second pick, Eli positions himself as a potential early selection in a strong draft class.

Ethan Holliday, born in the same year his father, Matt, earned MVP honors with the Rockies, has also been making waves. With both young athletes hailing from Oklahoma, they have formed a bond through their shared experiences in baseball. Scouts have noted their strong work ethic and determination, emphasizing the importance of family guidance as they navigate the elite levels of the sport.

The Atlanta Braves are set to welcome the Los Angeles Angels for a three-game series at Truist Park. However, a notable absence will be felt on the Angels' side as manager Ron Washington will miss the rest of the 2025 season due to medical reasons. Washington, a former Braves third base coach, has been a beloved figure in the baseball community, particularly for his role in the Braves' 2021 World Series triumph. Braves manager Brian Snitker expressed his concern for Washington's well-being, stating that he has been in frequent communication with his friend.

As the Braves and Angels prepare for their matchup on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 7:15 p.m., the focus will also be on how the Angels adjust without their experienced leader. Snitker's sentiments reflect not only a professional bond but also the camaraderie that exists in baseball, underscoring the importance of health and support in the sport.