MLB: Home Run Derby 2025 Heats Up—Oneil Cruz Joins Star-Studded Lineup With Acuña, Buxton, Wood & Raleigh

📍2025 Home Run Derby
📆 Date: Saturday, July 13
🏟️ Location: Truist Park, Atlanta
📺 Broadcast: Live on FOX & MLB Network

The stage is set. The sluggers are locked in. And the long balls are about to fly.

With just days remaining until the 2025 Home Run Derby lights up Truist Park in Atlanta on July 13, Major League Baseball has unveiled five of the eight heavy hitters ready to compete for longball supremacy. From hometown heroes to rising juggernauts, the competition is shaping up to be one of the most electric in recent history.

💣 Oneil Cruz Brings Raw Power to the Derby

Pittsburgh Pirates phenom Oneil Cruz, 26, known for obliterating baseballs with historic velocity, is the latest name added to the Derby roster. The towering shortstop etched his name into Statcast history back in May, when he crushed a 122.9 mph rocket into the Allegheny River — the hardest hit home run ever recorded.

Cruz isn’t just a slugger; he’s a statistical marvel. He currently leads the league with 28 stolen bases and has clubbed 15 home runs, despite a modest .203 average. His inclusion guarantees fireworks.

🏡 Byron Buxton Returns Home to Rock Atlanta

Georgia native Byron Buxton is headed back to his roots — and he’s bringing the boom with him.

MLB confirmed that the Minnesota Twins superstar will take part in this year’s Derby, delivering a hometown storyline fans can rally behind. In just 73 games this season, Buxton has blasted 20 home runs, 15 of which have been classified as “no-doubters,” per Baseball Savant.

Despite his injury history, Buxton’s .270/.334/.544 slash line and 16 stolen bases prove he’s still one of baseball’s most thrilling dual-threats. He’s also racked up 3+ Wins Above Replacement, making him both productive and electric.

🌲 James Wood: A Towering Threat Emerges

Washington Nationals’ breakout star James Wood is making his Home Run Derby debut—and the baseball world should take notice.

At 6-foot-7 with thunder in his bat, the 22-year-old is hitting .283 with 22 home runs and an eye-popping .934 OPS in just his sophomore season. He’s already earned “no-doubt” status on more than half of his home runs, and brings the kind of raw talent the Derby was made for.

Wood even has experience at Truist Park—he smashed an opposite-field homer there earlier this year. Expect him to make it rain again on July 13.

💥 Cal Raleigh: The Reigning Home Run King Steps In

Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, the league’s current home run leader, officially entered the Derby after hitting a record-setting 32 bombs before the All-Star break. His résumé speaks for itself:

• First catcher to hit 30+ HRs before the break
• First switch-hitter to do it
• Two home runs away from matching his career-best 34 — and it’s only July

“It’s special to do it in Atlanta,” Raleigh said, referencing his roots in Georgia. With Salvador Perez’s single-season record of 48 HRs by a catcher within reach, Raleigh’s power surge could turn into history.

🔥 Ronald Acuña Jr. Lights Up His Hometown

No Home Run Derby in Atlanta would be complete without Ronald Acuña Jr. — and the four-time All-Star was the first to announce his return.

Acuña has something to prove. After being ousted twice in past Derbies by Pete Alonso, the 2023 NL MVP looks to make a statement in front of his home crowd.

Fresh off a torn ACL that ended his 2024 season early, Acuña has roared back with a .385/.496/.692 line, nine homers, and a flawless 4-for-4 in stolen bases in just 29 games. His 227 OPS+ confirms what fans already know — he’s still elite.

⏳ Three Spots Remain... Who’s Next?

With five powerhouses locked in — Oneil Cruz, Byron Buxton, James Wood, Cal Raleigh, and Ronald Acuña Jr. — only three slots remain for the 2025 Derby.

Will we see a dark horse step up? Will Aaron Judge or Shohei Ohtani join the fray? Stay tuned as the full field takes shape in what promises to be a legendary night under the Atlanta lights.