Who Will Win the 2025 Home Run Derby? Full Breakdown of MLB’s Power Showdown

2025 Home Run Derby Tonight: Who’s Swinging for Glory and What You Need to Know

The Stage Is Set: What’s Happening at the 2025 MLB Home Run Derby

The 2025 MLB Home Run Derby kicks off tonight, July 14, at 8:00 p.m. ET inside Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia. This year’s event is generating massive excitement as eight of the league’s most dominant power hitters prepare to battle for bragging rights in front of a packed stadium.

As part of MLB’s All-Star Week, the Derby stands out as the premier fan-favorite spectacle, combining athleticism, showmanship, and fireworks—both on and off the field.

Format Breakdown: How the Home Run Derby 2025 Works

• First Round: All eight players get three minutes or 40 pitches to hit as many home runs as possible.

• Bonus Period: After time expires, batters enter a bonus round until they record three outs. Any homer traveling 425 feet or more earns an extra out.

• Semifinals and Finals: The top four advance to head-to-head matchups, each getting two minutes or 27 pitches.

• Tiebreakers: In case of a tie, a 60-second swing-off occurs. If still tied, successive three-swing rounds determine the winner.

Meet the Sluggers: 2025 Home Run Derby Participants

This year’s lineup brings together a mix of emerging stars and seasoned heavy-hitters:

• Cal Raleigh (Mariners): Leads the league in homers with 38 and has set a new record for catchers in a single season before the All-Star break.

• James Wood (Nationals): A rookie sensation known for his 451-foot moonshot and explosive swing metrics.

• Matt Olson (Braves): Replacing Ronald Acuña Jr., the Atlanta native returns to his home ballpark with high expectations.

• Oneil Cruz (Pirates): Holds the Statcast record for the hardest-hit ball at 122.9 mph.

• Junior Caminero (Rays): A top prospect turning heads with elite bat speed and consistent power.

• Byron Buxton (Twins): Georgia native with a 479-foot home run this season that wowed fans and analysts.

• Brent Rooker (Athletics): Quiet but efficient slugger, notching 19 home runs so far this season.

• Jazz Chisholm Jr. (Yankees): Flamboyant and powerful, with 17 home runs in just 61 games.

Why This Is Trending Right Now

• Cal Raleigh is breaking catcher-specific home run records and entering tonight as the favorite.

• Matt Olson’s homecoming story is drawing local and national attention as he competes in his home stadium.

• Rookie firepower from James Wood and Junior Caminero offers fresh excitement for fans.

• Oneil Cruz’s historic bat speed and exit velocity remain a highlight of fan discussions.

• Media coverage has ramped up, with broadcasts offering in-depth statistical breakdowns and live entertainment from Atlanta.

Real-Time Predictions: Who Has the Edge

• Favorite: Cal Raleigh (+295 odds) is the statistical frontrunner, though no catcher has ever won the Derby.

• Dark Horse: James Wood (+475) shows promise with raw power and familiarity with Truist Park.

• Sentimental Pick: Matt Olson (+800) could mirror Bryce Harper’s 2018 hometown victory.

• Wildcard: Oneil Cruz (+325) is unpredictable but boasts serious bat speed that can shift the leaderboard.

FAQ Section

Q: When is the Home Run Derby 2025?

A: Monday, July 14 at 8:00 p.m. ET.

Q: Where is the MLB Home Run Derby 2025 held?

A: Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia.

Q: Who is the favorite to win the 2025 Home Run Derby?

A: Cal Raleigh is the odds-on favorite, with James Wood and Oneil Cruz as close contenders.

Q: What’s new in the Home Run Derby format this year?

A: A pitch cap has been introduced—40 in the first round, 27 in subsequent rounds. Tiebreakers now feature swing-offs and sudden-death rounds.

Q: How can I watch the Home Run Derby?

A: It will be broadcast live on national sports networks.

Final Thought: A Night of Power, Passion, and Possibility

The 2025 Home Run Derby is not just about distance and numbers—it’s a showcase of heart, skill, and suspense. Whether you’re watching Cal Raleigh try to etch his name in history, cheering for James Wood’s breakout performance, or rooting for Matt Olson’s hometown pride, tonight’s event is set to deliver nonstop thrills.

With the perfect blend of fresh talent, superstar presence, and high-intensity format changes, this year's Derby is primed to be unforgettable. If you're a baseball fan—or even just a fan of big moments—this one’s for you.