There will be some deep drives in the Deep South on Monday, July 14, when the Major League Baseball Home Run Derby takes place at Truist Park in Atlanta, home of the Atlanta Braves. That will be the site of the All-Star Game between the American League and National League, scheduled for July 15.
Before the Midsummer Classic is played, though, eight major league stars will battle it out in the derby, an event that has rocketed in popularity like a towering home run to center field.
The derby began in 1985, when the soon-to-be-inducted Hall of Famer Dave Parker, then with the Cincinnati Reds, took home the hardware. Since then, there have been some pretty big names who’ve won, including Cal Ripken Jr., Ken Griffey Jr. (three times), Vladimir Guerrero, Guerrero’s son Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bryce Harper, Juan Soto and Aaron Judge.
Teoscar Hernandez of the Los Angeles Dodgers poses with the trophy after winning the Home Run Derby at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, in 2024.Stacy Revere / Getty Images
Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez won the Home Run Derby in 2024 at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.
Who Are the 2025 Home Run Derby Participants?
None of the sluggers competing this year has won the derby before. The field is headlined by Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, a candidate for American League MVP, thanks in large part to his major league-leading 38 home runs. That’s the most ever by a catcher at the All-Star break.
Cal Raleigh has been a terror to opposing pitchers this season.Jim McIsaac / Getty Images
Raleigh will have some stiff competition, though. Here’s a look at the entire roster of players taking part:
- Cal Raleigh, catcher, Seattle Mariners — If Raleigh can keep up his torrid pace, he may win the MVP Award. He also has a real shot at breaking Salvador Perez’s record for home runs by a catcher in a season. Perez hit 48 in 2021.
- Matt Olson, first base, Atlanta Braves — Olson, who is replacing teammate Ronald Acuna Jr. in the field, is no stranger to the long ball or the derby. He competed in the competition in 2021 and led the majors with 54 roundtrippers in 2023.
- James Wood, outfielder, Washington Nationals — Fun fact: Wood was one of the players the Nationals received when they traded Soto to the San Diego Padres. He’s grown as a player and this year was intentionally walked four times in one game out of respect for his burgeoning power. That’s the first time that’s happened since Barry Bonds got that treatment in 2004.
- Byron Buxton, outfielder, Minnesota Twins — A former No. 2 overall pick in the MLB draft, Buxton’s career has been derailed by injuries, but he is on pace to smash his career high for home runs for a season.
- Oneil Cruz, outfielder, Pittsburgh Pirates — One thing is for sure: Cruz will hit the ball with authority. He leads the majors in exit velocity.
- Junior Caminero, infielder, Tampa Bay Rays — Caminero is only the fourth Ray to take part in the derby. He’s young and exciting, with a lot of pop in his bat.
- Brent Rooker, designated hitter, Athletics — Rooker has had back-to-back 30-home run seasons and could be a force.
- Jazz Chisholm Jr., New York Yankees — When you think Yankees and dingers, you probably think of Judge. Don’t sleep on Chisholm, though: He hit four home runs in five games to close out June, after missing all of May due to injury.
Matt Olson was a late addition to the derby, replacing teammate Ronald Acuna Jr.Joe Robbins / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
When Does the Home Run Derby Start?
The derby will take place July 14 at 8 p.m. ET.
Where Can I Watch the Home Run Derby?
The contest will air live on ESPN and ESPN2.
How Does the Home Run Derby Work?
The contest is played out over three rounds. In the first round, players have three minutes or 40 pitches (whichever comes first) to blast as many dingers as they can. There are also bonuses where they can earn extra time.
The players with the top four home run totals move on to the second round, with the player who hit the most homers in the first round earning the top seed and squaring off against the one who hit the fourth most, while the players who hit the second most and third most face each other. Players get two minutes, or 27 pitches. Home runs from the first round are not included in the total in the semifinals.
The two winners of the second round will meet in the finals, where they again get two minutes, or 27 pitches. The player who hits the most in the finals wins the event.
