2025 MLB Home Run Derby: Full list of competitors; Olson replaces Acuña, updated betting odds, how to watch

By
D.J. Short,

By
D.J. Short

Published July 11, 2025 11:09 AM

The MLB All-Star break is rapidly approaching, which means it’s almost time for the 2025 MLB T-Mobile Home Run Derby. The annual slugfest will take place at 8 p.m. ET on Monday, July 14 at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia.

The full group of eight competitors was announced on Thursday, July 10. Check out the full list of sluggers below, as well as highlights of each competitor’s power exploits.

When is the 2025 MLB Home Run Derby?

Date: Monday, July 14
Place: Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia
Time: 7 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN

MLB: Kansas City Royals at Seattle Mariners

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Who is in the 2025 MLB Home Run Derby?

(Statistics from the morning of July 10)

Cal Raleigh C, Seattle Mariners
James Wood OF, Washington Nationals
Byron Buxton OF, Minnesota Twins
Oneil Cruz OF, Pittsburgh Pirates
Junior Caminero 3B, Tampa Bay Rays
Jazz Chisholm Jr. INF, New York Yankees
Brent Rooker DH/OF, Athletics
Matt Olson 1B, Atlanta Braves

MLB: New York Yankees at Toronto Blue Jays

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Where do the surging Astros and Blue Jays rank this week?

D.J. Short
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D.J. Short
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Cal Raleigh - 36 home runs (leads MLB)

Raleigh has put together a historic first half, both as a catcher and a switch-hitter. On a related note, Raleigh will be the first switch-hitter to participate in the Home Run Derby since Adley Rutschman in 2023. Caleigh’s father, Todd, is slated to throw to the Seattle slugger.

Cal Raleigh blasts his MLB-leading 23rd home run of the year! 💪 pic.twitter.com/UKodR74mq8
— MLB (@MLB) June 1, 2025

James Wood - 24 home runs

After a solid rookie campaign, Wood has arrived as a superstar and franchise centerpiece for the Nationals this season. The 22-year-old outfielder is elite in the areas of average exit velocity and hard-hit percentage. Tape measure blasts have become the norm for him.

JAMES WOOD
GAME OVER
WALK-OFF HOMER 😤 pic.twitter.com/wb5SDPFQB3
— MLB (@MLB) June 19, 2025

Byron Buxton - 20 home runs

Byron Buxton is excited to participate in Home Run Derby, but it sounds like his son, Brixton, is even more excited.

This quote is so sweet 🥹 pic.twitter.com/20BHpnD0O7
— Betsy Helfand (@betsyhelfand) July 7, 2025

Talent has never been the question for Buxton, but his health hasn’t cooperated over the years. So far in 2025, though, he’s stayed on the field while showing off his extreme athleticism and power. He’s posted the highest hard-hit rate of his career so far this season.

479 FEET!

BYRON BUXTON LAUNCHES ONE WAY OUT! pic.twitter.com/RfVlPgFdkg
— MLB (@MLB) June 12, 2025

Oneil Cruz - 16 home runs

Cruz is not an All-Star, and he has actually underwhelmed so far this season, but he still hits the ball extremely hard and ridiculously far. The 26-year-old ranks first in the majors in average exit velocity this season. You can see why he’s tailor-made for an exhibition like this one. Get ready for “Cruz Missles.”

Oneil Cruz CRUSHES this 2-run homer 112.1 MPH 🤯 pic.twitter.com/9DiFadeoFk
— MLB (@MLB) June 29, 2025

Junior Caminero - 22 home runs

Similar to James Wood, Caminero is finding another level during his first full season in the majors. The 22-year-old third baseman has one of the quickest bats in the majors and his power quite literally plays all across the field. It will be fun to see how that approach matches up with this power exhibition.

Junior Caminero hits a LOUD home run off the batter's eye 😳

On his own bobblehead night! pic.twitter.com/kALzb9hwPq
— MLB (@MLB) June 6, 2025

Jazz Chisholm Jr. - 17 home runs

A stage like the Home Run Derby is a perfect match for Chisholm, who is one of the more exciting and flamboyant players in the game. The 27-year-old has been on a tear at the plate since returning from an early-season oblique injury. He’ll try to continue that level of success in Atlanta.

Jazz sends one to monument park! 🎷 pic.twitter.com/UkVSJO8dZK
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) July 9, 2025

Brent Rooker - 19 home runs

After an unexpected breakout in his age-28 season. Rooker has become one of the game’s preeminent sluggers. He’s well on his way to his third-straight 30-homer season. We’re seeing a reboot of the “Bash Brothers” in Sacramento with rookie slugger Nick Kurtz‘s arrival.

Brent Rooker goes 425 feet for his fourth home run of the season! pic.twitter.com/PaIZ7yWMui
— MLB (@MLB) April 6, 2025

Matt Olson - 17 home runs

The Braves announced Friday that Olson will replace Ronald Acuña Jr., who was actually the first confirmed competitor. No word on the reason for the change, but Acuña recently dealt with some back tightness. Still, he’s expected to be in the starting lineup for the All-Star Game on Tuesday. Olson’s power is unquestioned and still gives Braves fans a worthy contender to root for on Monday night.