Every year, there seems to be a disappointing All-Star game in the world of sports. Every year, whether in the MLB, NBA, or NFL, the All-Star games can feel pretty boring. However, the Home Run Derby does not fall into such categories. The Home Run Derby remains one of the best events in the MLB, and it would be incredible to see some of these players compete.
Exciting Players to See Participate in the 2025 MLB Home Run Derby
1. O’Neil Cruz
A week after hitting a 123 MPH home run, it is clear that O’Neil Cruz would light up some baseballs in the derby. Of course, the first step is to qualify for the All-Star game. However, with the way the season has gone for Cruz, that definitely shouldn’t be too hard. Cruz is a young electric player who leads the MLB in hard-hit percentages and leads in the MLB in exit velocity.  Some players who had recent success in the derby, such as two-time champion Pete Alonso, also achieved impressive exit velocities, resulting in strong performances in the derby.
If Cruz can make the All-Star game, with the raw power Cruz has, there is no doubt that Cruz could compete. Typically, Cruz doesn’t lead the MLB in home runs, and his career high is just 21. However, high exit velocities, especially those that break records, make for good home run derbies.
2. James Wood
One player that has been popping off this season is James Wood. Not only does Wood have 16 home runs and is also 6’7, Wood also has insane exit velocities as well. Wood pretty much became a top prospect because of such velocities and has not let the Washington Nationals down. It also isn’t too rare for rookies to win either, as again, Alonso won as a rookie in 2019. Limited experience in the MLB might make one think that Wood isn’t all that capable of winning the derby.
However, regardless of a total of just 137 games so far in his career, Wood has power that not many have at all. And, in addition to this, the power alone that Wood has so far possessed this season definitely could give him a spot in as an All-Star this season. If James Wood does compete in the Home Run Derby in 2025, watch out.
3. Aaron Judge
For many seasons now, the one player who hasn’t competed in the Home Run Derby is Aaron Judge. Although you can understand that Judge is indispensable and the New York Yankees don’t want to injure Judge, there is no doubt that Aaron Judge would be great to see in the derby. Judge’s supernatural ability to get the ball out of the park makes him a force to be reckoned with in the derby. Of course, the likelihood is that the Judge isn’t just going to compete after a few seasons of not competing.
However, the reality is that it would be just incredible to see Judge compete again. There is no doubt that Judge is going to be an All-Star this season. It all depends on what the Yankees and Judge think about risking injury.
In the Home Run Derby this season, it would be very fun to see some new faces join the competition. From massive exit velos to young superstars, and maybe even seasoned veterans, the Derby would be fun to see this season if certain players competed.
Main Image: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
