The annual Midsummer Classic’s power-hitting showcase is scheduled for Monday, and the list of eight participants is now finalized.
The Atlanta Braves’ own Ronald Acuña Jr. initially agreed to take part, with the event taking place at his home stadium, Truist Park in Atlanta. However, a day after the participants list was confirmed, MLB announced that teammate Matt Olson would be stepping in for him.
While Acuña played as recently as Thursday, notching two home runs against the Athletics, he was removed from the lineup earlier in the week due to a tight back. The Braves most likely didn’t want to risk anything with the Derby, due to its physical demands.
Another of the confirmed Derby participants is also facing uncertain status. Twins All-Star outfielder Byron Buxton is currently listed as day-to-day after being hit by a pitch on Wednesday. As of Thursday, it wasn’t clear whether this injury would affect Buxton’s ability to participate in the Derby or the All-Star Game.
Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández, after defeating Kansas City Royals star Bobby Witt Jr. in the 2024 final, is the current titleholder. He will not defend his title this year.
Here’s a breakdown of each participant competing in this year’s contest.
Who is competing in the 2025 MLB Home Run Derby?
Matt Olson, Atlanta Braves first baseman
Ronald Acuña Jr. was originally planned as the hometown favorite, but now Olson will fill that role, as he previously led MLB with 54 homers in 2023. He’s previously participated in the Derby back in 2021 as a member of the Athletics, where he lost in the first round to Trey Mancini. He’s currently having another strong season and will be participating in his third career All-Star game come Tuesday.
Jazz Chisholm Jr., New York Yankees second baseman
Since joining the Yankees last summer, Chisholm has had a notable start to the year. The second baseman currently has 17 homers on the season, fueled by a career-high .876 OPS, along with 43 RBI.
Chisholm is currently on pace to outdo his numbers from the previous year (24 HR and 73 RBI) by the season’s end, but he will first try his luck in the Derby. After being selected in 2022 while playing for the Miami Marlins, this year marks Chisholm’s second All-Star selection.
Brent Rooker, Athletics designated hitter
Rooker, making his second All-Star appearance, is now putting his name in the hat to potentially win this year’s Home Run Derby. The 30-year-old has filled the role of Athletics designated hitter in 80 games this season, in addition to 13 games in the outfield (eight in right and five in left).
Rooker is currently batting .270/.346/.489, with 19 home runs and 50 RBI this year. He’s projected to have his third consecutive season with over 30 homers. Last year, he blasted 39 for the A’s.
Junior Caminero, Tampa Bay Rays third baseman
The 22-year-old Caminero, who made his announcement via Instagram, is proving the hype around him as a prospect with his performance during his first full MLB season. The Rays’ third baseman has passed the 20 home run mark and will be included in the AL All-Star roster, being named as a replacement for the injured Alex Bregman.
Oneil Cruz, Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder
Cruz announced on Tuesday his intention to participate in the event. The 26-year-old outfielder has the second-lowest total of home runs among all participants, but he might possess the best skill set for the competition.
Cruz is a Statcast favorite, achieving a 100th percentile ranking in bat speed, average exit velocity, barrel rate, and hard-hit percentage. He currently holds the MLB record for hardest-hit ball, with a 122.9 mph home run in May.
Byron Buxton, Minnesota Twins outfielder
Buxton made his announcement to enter the field on Instagram. The 31-year-old Twins outfielder has already surpassed his home run numbers from the last two seasons and is on pace for a career high. Following his participation in the Derby, he will be representing the American League in his second All-Star Game.
“Coming home to participate in an event like this is a unique opportunity,” Buxton said. “I don’t expect to play another 30 years to see it return to Atlanta, so this is a truly special opportunity. I discussed it with my close friends, teammates, and family, and everyone was enthusiastic about it… They urged me not to pass up the opportunity.”
James Wood, Washington Nationals outfielder
The 6-foot-7 Nationals slugger is demonstrating a breakout season, surpassing the 20-home-run threshold by the end of June. Wood, 22, was included in the Juan Soto trade that brought a collection of youthful talent from the San Diego Padres to the Nationals.
Wood’s offensive presence has been so significant this season that the Los Angeles Angels intentionally walked him four times on June 29. The previous player to receive such treatment from an opponent was Barry Bonds in 2004.
Cal Raleigh, Seattle Mariners catcher
The MLB home run leader is a Mariners catcher known by the nickname “The Big Dumper,” and he’s poised to surpass all personal bests and even challenge the AL home run record if he keeps up his current performance. It’s a sight to behold.
With two consecutive 30-homer seasons and a Platinum Glove-winning defensive record behind the plate, Raleigh was regarded as one of baseball’s more underrated players as he entered this season. As of now, even the casual baseball fan should recognize his name, as he’s making a strong argument to be considered one of baseball’s elite players, if he’s not already there.
What are the rules of the 2025 MLB Home Run Derby?
After utilizing a standard one-on-one tournament structure for a decade, MLB made adjustments to the format in 2024.
Instead of four initial matchups, all eight hitters competed last year to secure a spot in the top four, limited to 40 pitches across three minutes and three bonus outs (where they can continue hitting until they fail to hit three homers). The four advancing hitters were seeded for the semifinal and final rounds, with the latter including two minutes and 27 pitches.
Despite the complicated format, MLB is keeping the same rules for this year’s contest.
When is the 2025 MLB Home Run Derby?
The 2025 Home Run Derby, set to take place at Atlanta’s Truist Park, is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. ET on Monday, the day following the 2025 MLB Draft and the day before the 2025 MLB All-Star Game. As always, the event will be broadcast on ESPN.
