MLB Home Run Derby 2025: Who Will Win the Crown?

The Night of a Million Taters is Almost Here

The Home Run Derby, that whimsical celebration of power and skill in baseball, is set to take place in the Atlanta suburbs. This year’s event may not feature the usual top-tier stars, but it promises to be an exciting showcase of talent and athleticism. Let’s take a closer look at what to expect from this year’s competition.

The Format of the Home Run Derby

The format of the Home Run Derby has evolved over the years, making it essential for fans to understand how the competition works. In the first round, all eight participants will have three minutes or 40 pitches to hit as many home runs as possible. If the time runs out or the balls are exhausted, the round ends. However, there’s an additional twist: if a player hits a ball over 425 feet during the timed round, they earn an extra out.

After the initial round, the top four hitters based on home run totals advance to the semifinals. The seeding in the semifinals is determined by their performance in the first round. Each semifinal round lasts two minutes or 27 pitches, with the winners moving on to the finals, which follow the same structure.

It’s important to note that the total number of home runs does not carry over from one round to the next. This means every round is essentially a fresh start, adding an element of unpredictability to the competition.

The Ballpark: Truist Park

Truist Park, the venue for this year’s Derby, is known for its balanced dimensions. It is neither overly favorable nor disadvantageous for home runs. Left-handed hitters might find the park slightly more accommodating, as the right field is only 10 feet shorter than the left field.

One notable feature of the ballpark is the outfield fences. The right field wall stands at 16 feet, while the left-field line is just 6 feet high. This could influence the performance of certain players, particularly those who hit line drives. For example, right-handed hitters like Junior Caminero might benefit from the higher wall, while left-handed hitters like Oneil Cruz could face some challenges.

The Contestants

This year’s lineup includes a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars. Here’s a breakdown of some of the key players:

Cal Raleigh (Seattle Mariners)

• Home Runs: 38 (1st in MLB)
• Handedness: Switch
• Derby Thrower: Todd Raleigh (dad)
• Longest Homer: 440 feet
• Hardest-Hit Homer: 114.7 mph

Cal Raleigh has had an incredible first half, hitting a league-leading 38 homers. He’s a switch-hitter and could potentially become the first catcher to win the Derby. His dad, Todd Raleigh, will be his batting practice pitcher, a rare occurrence in the history of the event.

James Wood (Washington Nationals)

• Home Runs: 24 (8th)
• Handedness: Left
• Derby Thrower: Ricky Gutierrez, Nats 3B Coach
• Longest Homer: 451 feet
• Hardest-Hit Homer: 116.3 mph

James Wood has emerged as one of the game’s top sluggers. His ability to hit to all parts of the field makes him a formidable competitor. His performance in the Derby will be closely watched.

Junior Caminero (Tampa Bay Rays)

• Home Runs: 23 (9th)
• Handedness: Right
• Derby Thrower: Tomas Francisco, Rays MLB field coordinator
• Longest Homer: 425 feet
• Hardest-Hit Homer: 110.6 mph

Caminero, a 22-year-old Dominican, has the second-fastest bat speed in MLB. His ability to hit to all areas of the field could make him a strong contender.

Byron Buxton (Minnesota Twins)

• Home Runs: 20 (16th)
• Handedness: Right
• Derby Thrower: Tommy Watkins, Twins 3B coach
• Longest Homer: 479 feet
• Hardest-Hit Homer: 112.5 mph

Despite a history of injuries, Buxton has remained one of the most athletic players in the league. His performance in the Derby could be a highlight of the night.

Brent Rooker (Oakland Athletics)

• Home Runs: 19 (T17th)
• Handedness: Right
• Derby Thrower: Joe Caruso, childhood hitting coach
• Longest Homer: 440 feet
• Hardest-Hit Homer: 110 mph

Rooker has been a consistent power hitter, and his presence in the Derby adds to the excitement of the event.

Matt Olson (Atlanta Braves)

• Home Runs: 17 (T28th)
• Handedness: Right
• Derby Thrower: TBD
• Longest Homer: 434 feet
• Hardest-Hit Homer: 113.4 mph

Olson is filling in for Ronald Acuña Jr., who had to withdraw due to back tightness. As a Georgia native, he will have the support of the hometown crowd.

Jazz Chisholm Jr. (New York Yankees)

• Home Runs: 17 (T28th)
• Handedness: Left
• Derby Thrower: Geron Sands, stepfather
• Longest Homer: 442 feet
• Hardest-Hit Homer: 110.9 mph

Chisholm has experience in similar competitions, including the Don’t Blink Home Run Derby in the Bahamas. His size may be a concern, but his skill set could help him stand out.

Oneil Cruz (Pittsburgh Pirates)

• Home Runs: 16 (T36th)
• Handedness: Right
• Derby Thrower: Stephen Morales, Pirates coach/translator
• Longest Homer: 463 feet
• Hardest-Hit Homer: 122.9 mph

Cruz is known for his explosive power, with one of the hardest-hit balls ever recorded. His performance in the Derby could be unforgettable.

Final Thoughts

With a mix of experienced players and emerging talents, the 2023 Home Run Derby promises to be an exciting event. While the lack of top-tier stars may be a point of discussion, the depth of the field ensures that the competition will be fierce. Fans can expect a night filled with power, skill, and unforgettable moments.