The 2025 MLB Home Run Derby is set to take place on July 14 in Atlanta, but there’s been a last-minute change to the lineup. Matt Olson of the Atlanta Braves will be stepping in to replace his teammate, Ronald Acuña Jr., who has withdrawn from the competition. Acuña, despite his absence from the Derby, will still be starting as an outfielder for the National League in the All-Star Game. This decision comes as Acuña continues his comeback season following ACL surgery and manages recent back tightness. With Olson now in the mix alongside Jazz Chisholm Jr., Cal Raleigh, and other formidable sluggers, the Derby promises an exciting display of power hitting.
This year’s Derby is especially significant as it’s part of the All-Star week festivities held at Truist Park, the home of the Atlanta Braves. Last year’s champion, Teoscar Hernández, will not be participating, guaranteeing a new Home Run Derby winner. The stakes are high, with the winner set to receive a dazzling 2025 Home Run Derby chain. This article will delve into the participants, their stats, and what to expect from this year’s competition.
Matt Olson Steps In
Matt Olson, the 31-year-old first baseman for the Atlanta Braves, is a notable addition to the Home Run Derby. Known for his powerful swing, Olson has slugged .481 with 17 home runs in 92 games this season. In 2023, he led the majors with an impressive 54 home runs. Olson’s batted-ball stats place him in the upper echelon of MLB hitters, ranking in the 97th percentile for average exit velocity and the 96th percentile for hard-hit rate.
“I’m excited to join the Home Run Derby and represent the Braves,” Olson said in a statement. “It’s an honor to participate in such a prestigious event, and I’m looking forward to putting on a show for the fans in Atlanta.”
Olson’s inclusion adds a local favorite to the competition, increasing the excitement for Atlanta fans. His consistent power and ability to hit the ball hard make him a serious contender for the title.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. Ready to Shine
Jazz Chisholm Jr. of the New York Yankees is another participant to watch. The 27-year-old infielder is having a strong season, slashing .251/.346/.530 with 17 home runs in 61 games. His performance metrics are impressive, placing him in the 96th percentile for expected slugging percentage and the 98th percentile for barrel rate, indicating his ability to make optimal contact for power.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge,” Chisholm said. “It’s a great opportunity to showcase my power and compete against some of the best hitters in the game.”
Chisholm’s combination of power and precision makes him a dark horse candidate who could surprise many in the Derby.
Brent Rooker Joins the Field
Brent Rooker of the Oakland Athletics is also set to participate. The 30-year-old outfielder is hitting .270/.346/.489 with 19 home runs in 94 games. Rooker is on track for his third consecutive 30-plus homer season, establishing himself as a consistent power hitter.
“I’m excited to be a part of the Home Run Derby,” Rooker stated. “It’s a dream come true, and I’m going to give it my best shot.”
Rooker’s consistent performance and ability to hit for power make him a worthy competitor in this year’s Derby.
Junior Caminero: A Fresh Face
Junior Caminero, the young Tampa Bay Rays slugger, will also be participating. At just 22 years old, Caminero leads all major-league third basemen with 21 home runs this season. He’s slashing .252/.294/.496 in his second MLB season, building on a 2023 campaign where he hit 31 homers across two minor-league levels.
“This is a huge honor for me,” Caminero said. “I’m going to go out there and have fun, and hopefully, I can hit a lot of home runs for the fans.”
Caminero’s raw power and youthful energy make him an exciting addition to the Derby, representing the next generation of MLB stars.
Oneil Cruz: Incoming Missiles
Oneil Cruz of the Pittsburgh Pirates, known for being one of the hardest hitters in baseball, will also be showcasing his skills. Cruz, 26, holds the record for the hardest-hit ball in the Statcast era, recorded on May 25. This season, he is hitting .203/.315/.402 with 15 home runs and a league-leading 28 stolen bases.
“I’m ready to put on a show,” Cruz said. “I’m going to swing hard and try to hit as many home runs as possible.”
Cruz’s immense power and ability to generate extreme exit velocities make him one of the most anticipated participants in the Derby.
Byron Buxton Returns Home
Byron Buxton of the Minnesota Twins, a Georgia native, adds a local connection to the Derby. The 31-year-old outfielder is hitting .270/.334/.544 with 20 home runs and 16 stolen bases in 73 games. Fifteen of his home runs have been classified as “no doubters,” highlighting his ability to hit towering shots.
“It’s great to be back in Georgia,” Buxton said. “I’m looking forward to competing in front of my friends and family and putting on a good show for the fans.”
Buxton’s combination of power and speed makes him a dynamic player to watch, and his local ties add an extra layer of excitement to his participation.
James Wood to Bring Lumber
James Wood of the Washington Nationals, an emerging superstar, has also joined the field. The 6-foot-7, left-handed hitter is batting .283/.387/.547 with 22 home runs in 165 career games. Known for his prodigious power, 12 of his 22 home runs are classified as “no doubters.”
“I’m excited for the opportunity to participate in the Home Run Derby,” Wood said. “It’s going to be a fun experience, and I’m looking forward to competing against some of the best hitters in baseball.”
Wood’s towering frame and powerful swing make him a formidable participant in the Derby, showcasing the potential of young talent in MLB.
HR Leader Cal Raleigh Is In
Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners, the league’s current home run leader, is also set to compete. The switch-hitting catcher has already hit 32 home runs this season. Raleigh has had a historic season, becoming the first catcher to reach 30 home runs before the All-Star Break and the first switch-hitter to do so.
“I’m excited to represent the Mariners and our fanbase at the Derby,” Raleigh said. “It will be extra special for me getting to do it in Atlanta, where I spent a lot of time playing baseball as a kid.”
Raleigh’s record-breaking season and switch-hitting ability make him a strong contender for the Home Run Derby title.
Final Thoughts on the 2025 Home Run Derby
The 2025 MLB Home Run Derby is shaping up to be an unforgettable event, filled with some of baseball’s most powerful hitters. With Matt Olson stepping in for Ronald Acuña Jr., the competition retains its high level of excitement and local appeal. The Derby, scheduled for July 14 at Truist Park in Atlanta, promises an evening of thrilling displays of power and skill.
Participants like Jazz Chisholm Jr., Brent Rooker, Junior Caminero, Oneil Cruz, Byron Buxton, James Wood, and Cal Raleigh bring diverse talents and unique stories to the competition. Each player has demonstrated exceptional power and performance throughout the season, making them all potential champions. As fans eagerly anticipate the event, the Home Run Derby represents a celebration of baseball’s brightest stars and the excitement of the sport.
Ultimately, the 2025 Home Run Derby is more than just a competition; it’s a showcase of the passion, dedication, and skill that define Major League Baseball. Whether it’s the seasoned veteran or the emerging superstar, each participant will bring their best to the plate, aiming to create memorable moments for fans around the world.
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