2025 MLB Home Run Derby Set to Explode in Atlanta — Can Cal Make History or Will Rooker Rise for the A’s

ATLANTA — The summer’s biggest fireworks show is set for tonight, and we’re not talking about the Fourth of July. The 2025 MLB Home Run Derby is locked and loaded at Truist Park, with baseball’s biggest bats ready to launch absolute rockets into the Georgia night sky.

Sluggers from across the league will swing for glory under the lights at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN, and while last year’s champ Teoscar Hernández is sitting this one out, the door is wide open for a new king of the long ball.

Headlining the event is Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, who enters with a jaw-dropping 38 home runs in the first half. Raleigh is not only the statistical favorite—he’s on a historic pace. If he stays hot, there’s real talk of chasing Barry Bonds’ legendary 73 HR single-season record. That alone makes this year’s Derby must-watch TV.

But hold up—there’s heart in this game too. Brent Rooker, Oakland’s power-hitting pride, is swinging for more than just a trophy. For die-hard California-born A’s fans like our founder at MainEvent.News, loyalty runs deep. Rooker’s appearance is a bright spot for a franchise that’s been through it, and you better believe we’re rooting for him to bring it home for the green and gold.

Local fans will have their eyes on Matt Olson, the Braves’ slugger who stepped in late to replace Ronald Acuña Jr. Will home-field energy give him the edge? Or will one of the rising stars like James Wood or Junior Caminero pull off a surprise run?

2025 Home Run Derby Lineup

• Cal Raleigh, Mariners – 38 HR
• James Wood, Nationals – 24 HR
• Junior Caminero, Rays – 23 HR
• Byron Buxton, Twins – 21 HR
• Brent Rooker, Athletics – 20 HR
• Matt Olson, Braves – 17 HR
• Jazz Chisholm Jr., Yankees – 17 HR
• Oneil Cruz, Pirates – 16 HR

⚾ MainEvent.News | BackStage Take:

This year’s Derby isn’t just a slugfest — it’s a narrative showdown. Cal Raleigh’s home run tear has fans whispering the unthinkable: Could Bonds’ record actually be in danger? Meanwhile, Brent Rooker steps up for a franchise desperate for heroes. Whether it’s records, redemption, or raw spectacle, tonight’s going to be unforgettable. And if you bleed green and gold like we do — Rooker’s run might just feel like a win for all of Oakland.