The 2025 MLB Home Run Derby will occur on Monday, and the eight-player field is complete, for the moment at least.
However, one of those confirmed spots is a little questionable. Minnesota Twins All-Star outfielder Byron Buxton is currently day-to-day after being hit by a pitch on Wednesday. It’s still unclear whether that injury will threaten Buxton’s ability to participate in the derby, but if it does, another player will have to step into Buxton’s place.
Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. was the first to commit to the event, with it being held at his home of Truist Park in Atlanta, and he’ll be joined by a field of seven of MLB’s top power hitters in the popular crowd-pleasing event. Athletics designated hitter Brent Rooker was one of the latest to join the field on Thursday, before New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. filled in the final spot.
Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez won last year’s Home Run Derby, beating Kansas City Royals star Bobby Witt Jr. in the 2024 final. Neither player will be participating this year, but here’s every slugger who has been announced to be competing in this year’s event.
2025 Home Run Derby Participants
Ronald Acuña Jr.
The Atlanta crowd will have a hometown hero in Acuña, who will likely have the fewest home runs of any player in the Derby field, but this is largely because he started the season two months late after returning from a torn ACL, which made him miss most of 2024.
Acuña has been on a tear since his return, and has 40-homer power when he remains healthy for a full season. He became the fifth player in MLB history to post 40 home runs and 40 stolen bases in a single season before winning the MVP in 2023, and the Derby will be a prime chance to show a national audience that he’s still one of MLB’s biggest stars.
Cal Raleigh
The MLB’s home run leader is Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh. “The Big Dumper” is on pace to blow away every personal best and maybe even challenge the AL home run record if he keeps this up.
With two consecutive 30-homer seasons and excellent defense behind the plate, Raleigh was one of the most underrated players in baseball entering this season. By now, even casual baseball fans should know his name, as he’s making his case to be considered one of baseball’s elite players.
James Wood
The Washington Nationals slugger is having a breakout season, having eclipsed the 20-home-run mark by the end of June. James Wood is only 22 and was a part of the Juan Soto trade that brought a package of young talent to the Nationals from the San Diego Padres.
Wood has been such an offensive threat this season that on June 29, the Los Angeles Angels intentionally walked him four times. The last player to receive that honor from an opponent was Barry Bonds way back in 2004.
Byron Buxton
Buxton announced on Instagram that he will enter the field. The Twins outfielder has already surpassed his home run totals from the past two seasons and is on pace for a career high, making him an interesting name to watch at the trade deadline. Assuming he is healthy, he will also represent the AL in his second All-Star game after he takes part in the Derby.
The Georgia-born Buxton is going back home and knows he won’t get another chance to participate in the Derby at Atlanta. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that he, his friends, and his family didn’t want him to pass up.
Oneil Cruz
Oneil Cruz announced Tuesday that he will participate in the event. The young outfielder has the second-lowest home run total of any participant thus far, but don’t be fooled, he just might have the best skill set for the Derby.
Cruz is a statcast darling, ranking in the 100th percentile in bat speed, average exit velocity, barrel rate, and hard-hit percentage. He already owns the record for the hardest-hit ball with his 122.9 MPH homer in May.
Junior Caminero
Junior Caminero, who also announced his entry on Instagram, is showing why he was a hyped prospect with his play in his first full MLB season.
The Tampa Bay Rays‘ 22-year-old third baseman has already surpassed 20 home runs and will be part of the AL All-Star roster after being named as a replacement for the injured Alex Bregman.
Brent Rooker
Rooker is a second-time All-Star, and now he’s throwing his hat in the ring to win this year’s Home Run Derby. The 30-year-old veteran has started most of his games as the Athletics’ designated hitter this season, with a little time in the outfield as well.
Entering Thursday, Rooker is slashing .270 with 19 home runs and 50 RBIs. He’s on pace for his third consecutive season with 30-plus homers and he hit 39 home runs last season for the A’s.
Jazz Chisholm Jr.
Chisholm is having a very solid start to the year. Entering Thursday, the second baseman has put up 17 homers this season behind a career high .876 OPS, plus 43 RBIs. He has been a great addition to the Yankees after joining the team last summer.
Chisholm is on pace to pass his numbers from last year, but first, he’ll try his hand in the Derby. This year marks Chisholm’s second All-Star selection, after being given the honor in 2022 while with the Miami Marlins.
Main Image: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
