The baseball world descends upon Atlanta, Georgia, as Truist Park, home of the Braves, hosts the highly anticipated 2025 MLB Home Run Derby today, Monday, July 14, 2025. This annual spectacle of prodigious power hitting, a highlight of the MLB All-Star Week, promises an electrifying display of long balls and dramatic finishes. With a stacked field of eight of Major League Baseball’s most explosive sluggers, fans are bracing themselves for a night of unforgettable dingers under the Georgia sky.
The Stage is Set: Truist Park Ready for Blast-Off
Truist Park, a modern marvel of baseball architecture, provides the perfect backdrop for the Home Run Derby. Known for its fan-friendly atmosphere and vibrant surroundings, the stadium will be abuzz with anticipation as each participant steps to the plate, aiming to launch baseballs into the stratosphere. The energy will be palpable, a true testament to the excitement this unique event generates.
Meet the Powerhouses: Who’s Swinging for the Fences?
The 2025 Home Run Derby features an intriguing mix of established stars and rising talents, all vying for the coveted championship trophy and bragging rights. The confirmed eight participants are:
- Cal Raleigh (Seattle Mariners): The switch-hitting catcher has been a revelation this season, leading MLB in home runs and bringing a unique dimension to the competition. His powerful swings from both sides of the plate make him a compelling favorite.
- James Wood (Washington Nationals): A young phenom, Wood has quickly established himself as a future face of the league. His raw power and impressive exit velocities make him a dark horse candidate with the potential to go deep early and often.
- Byron Buxton (Minnesota Twins): When healthy, Buxton’s athleticism and explosive power are undeniable. He’s been crushing the ball this season, and a strong showing at the Derby could further cement his status as a premier slugger.
- Oneil Cruz (Pittsburgh Pirates): The towering Pirates shortstop is known for his jaw-dropping exit velocities and ability to hit moonshots. Though not an All-Star, his prodigious power is tailor-made for this exhibition.
- Junior Caminero (Tampa Bay Rays): Another youthful sensation, Caminero has displayed incredible pop for the Rays. His quick bat and ability to drive the ball to all fields will make him a fan favorite.
- Brent Rooker (Oakland Athletics): Rooker has quietly become one of the league’s most consistent power hitters, on pace for his third consecutive 30-plus home run season. His veteran presence and proven ability to go yard make him a dangerous contender.
- Jazz Chisholm Jr. (New York Yankees): The flamboyant Yankees infielder brings charisma and electrifying talent to the Derby. Chisholm Jr. has been on a tear since returning from injury and possesses the kind of flair that thrives on this big stage.
- Matt Olson (Atlanta Braves): In a last-minute change, hometown hero Matt Olson steps in to replace his injured teammate Ronald Acuña Jr. Olson’s tremendous power and experience in his home ballpark could give him a significant edge.
Understanding the Gauntlet: Home Run Derby Rules Explained
The 2025 Home Run Derby employs a dynamic, clock-based format designed to maximize excitement and test the endurance of these elite sluggers.
- Round 1: Each of the eight batters gets three minutes or 40 pitches (whichever comes first) to hit as many home runs as possible. A bonus period follows, where players can continue swinging until they record three “outs” (non-home run swings). Crucially, a home run hit at least 425 feet during the bonus period earns an additional out. The four players with the highest home run totals advance. Ties in this round are broken by the distance of the longest home run hit.
- Semifinals: The format transitions to a knockout style, pitting the 1st seed against the 4th, and the 2nd against the 3rd. Players have two minutes or 27 pitches. Home run totals from Round 1 do not carry over. Ties are resolved with a 60-second swing-off, followed by successive three-swing swing-offs if necessary.
- Finals: The two semifinal winners battle it out under the same two-minute, 27-pitch rule set. The player who crushes the most home runs in the final round is crowned the 2025 Home Run Derby Champion! Each batter also gets one 45-second timeout per regulation period.
Where to Catch the Action: Broadcast Information
For the 31st and final time, the 2025 MLB Home Run Derby will be exclusively broadcast on ESPN, with an alternate Statcast Edition on ESPN2, starting at 8 p.m. ET. Fans can also listen to the national radio broadcast on ESPN Radio. Baseball Tonight will provide pre-Derby coverage, while “The Pat McAfee Show” will also emanate from Atlanta, adding to the pre-event buzz.
This year’s Derby is poised to be an absolute slugfest. With a new champion guaranteed and a lineup of baseball’s brightest young stars and proven veterans, the 2025 Home Run Derby promises a thrilling night of raw power and unforgettable moments. Don’t miss a single swing!
