Major League Baseball’s annual Home Run Derby is a much-anticipated event, celebrating the sport's most impressive displays of power. The 2025 Home Run Derby is scheduled for Monday, July 14, at Truist Park in Atlanta, promising a spectacle for fans.
While the official list of participants is still developing, a compelling mix of seasoned veterans and dynamic young sluggers is expressing interest. This year’s potential lineup suggests a truly thrilling contest, possibly redefining expectations for what the Derby can deliver.
The evolving attitudes of players towards the event, now seen more as a showcase than a risk, further elevate the excitement for the caliber of talent expected to swing for the fences.
The Home Run Derby stands as Major League Baseball’s premier annual celebration of long balls. This highly anticipated event offers an exciting prelude to the All-Star Game, drawing widespread attention from fans. Set for July 14 at Truist Park in Atlanta, the atmosphere promises to be electric.
Although the full roster of participants remains unconfirmed, the field is expected to include both established stars and emerging talents. Two-time winner Pete Alonso, a veteran slugger, is among those anticipated to participate.
The Derby traditionally serves as an important platform, showcasing the prodigious power of the game's up-and-coming young hitters. Atlanta, as the host city, adds an extra layer of local enthusiasm to the event.
For a period in the 21st century, many top players avoided the Home Run Derby. This reluctance stemmed from a persistent fear of the "Home Run Derby Curse," a notion that the contest could negatively impact a player’s swing long-term. While the data supporting this "curse" remains inconclusive, the sentiment was once prevalent but has changed in recent years.
Young players now show a strong eagerness to participate and put on a show for the fans. This enthusiasm extends even to those who are not considered pure home run hitters. This evolution is already impacting MLB odds, as sportsbooks adjust to the growing competitiveness and depth of talent in the Derby lineup.
This year’s Home Run Derby brings together a thrilling mix of proven sluggers and breakout stars, all aiming to leave their mark on baseball’s biggest power showcase.
Fittingly, Braves superstar Ronald Acuña Jr. has been named the first official entrant for the 2025 Home Run Derby. His participation ensures a significant draw, as he will be swinging for the fences in front of his home fans at Truist Park.
Acuña Jr. returned to play on May 23 after rehabilitating a left knee injury from 2024. He has been on an absolute tear since his return, launching a projected 467-foot homer in his first at-bat of the season. Through his first 28 games, he has already hit nine home runs.
This will mark Acuña Jr.'s third appearance in the Home Run Derby, having previously competed in 2019 and 2022. He aims to become the fourth player in history to win the Derby in his home park, joining Bryce Harper, Todd Frazier, and Ryne Sandberg.
Cal Raleigh, the Seattle Mariners’ star catcher, is another highly anticipated slugger for a potential Derby debut. Known affectionately as "The Big Dumper," Raleigh is having a historic season, currently leading the majors with 32 home runs.
He is on pace to potentially shatter Salvador Perez’s single-season record for catchers and is even projected to top Aaron Judge’s American League record of 62 homers this season. Raleigh has expressed strong enthusiasm for participating, stating he would "do that in a heartbeat" if invited.
Notably, Raleigh grew up just 150 miles from Atlanta, making his potential appearance a homecoming. He has hit 21 home runs batting left-handed and 11 right-handed, potentially becoming only the second player to switch-hit during the Derby, which adds a special element to the contest.
The potential field of debut sluggers extends to several other exciting young talents, including James Wood of the Washington Nationals and Junior Caminero from the Tampa Bay Rays.
Standing at 6-foot-7, Wood is one of baseball’s tallest players and possesses immense power. He is tied for third in baseball with 12 "no-doubters"—homers that would clear the fences in all 30 Major League stadiums. As of June 23, Wood’s average home run distance was an impressive 415 feet, ranking second among players with at least 13 homers.
Another compelling young talent is Junior Caminero. This 21-year-old third baseman has quickly become one of the game's top young hitters. He has found his power stroke in his first full season, clubbing 19 home runs through 73 games in 2025. Caminero has voiced his eagerness to participate, promising to "put on a great show for the fans" if selected.
The prospect of Elly De La Cruz, the Cincinnati Reds' "unicorn shortstop," joining the Derby adds significant intrigue. While he previously declined invitations for two years, citing concerns about excessive swings and a desire for rest, he hinted at future participation in 2024.
De La Cruz has hit 18 home runs in 79 games this season, putting him on track to surpass his 25 home runs from last year when he was a first-time All-Star.
Another exciting possibility is Andy Pages of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 24-year-old outfielder, after a slow beginning, finished with a strong performance by batting .330, hitting 14 home runs, and driving in 47 RBIs over 55 games from April 22 to June 22. His 16 home runs are second on the Dodgers, behind only Shohei Ohtani, showcasing his considerable power.
The confirmed presence of Ronald Acuña Jr. and the strong indications from a stellar crop of young, powerful hitters signal a potentially groundbreaking 2025 Home Run Derby. This year’s event promises a captivating blend of established powerhouses and enthusiastic debut talents.
The notable shift away from the historical "curse" narrative, with players now openly embracing the challenge and opportunity, suggests a fully committed field. This combination of raw athletic power, strategic swing artistry, and genuine eagerness to entertain creates an ideal scenario for an unforgettable competition.
Expect Truist Park to witness an exhibition of record-breaking blasts and thrilling performances, solidifying 2025 as a benchmark year for the Home Run Derby.
