Home Run Derby MLB 2025: Predictions, favorites, and analysis on Alofoke Deportes

The 2025 MLB All-Star Home Run Derby in Atlanta!

Get ready for the most anticipated event of the summer. The most powerful hitters in baseball will face off at Truist Park on Monday at 8 p.m. ET. The competition promises to be electrifying. Although the 2024 champion, Teoscar Hernández, will not be present, the competition will be full of exciting stars. The participation of Matt Olson, from the Atlanta Braves, stands out, who replaced Ronald Acuña Jr. a few days before the event. Will Olson be able to shine in front of his fans? Will Cal Raleigh demonstrate the power that led him to hit 38 home runs in the first half of the season? Or, will it be a young talent who takes the title? Here’s everything you need to know about the Derby, from predictions to live updates, analysis and conclusions at the end of the night.

Home Run Derby Participants

Cal Raleigh, Seattle Mariners (38 home runs in 2025)
James Wood, Washington Nationals (24)
Junior Caminero, Tampa Bay Rays (23)
Byron Buxton, Minnesota Twins (21)
Brent Rooker, Athletics (20)
Matt Olson, Atlanta Braves (17)
Jazz Chisholm Jr., New York Yankees (17)
Oneil Cruz, Pittsburgh Pirates (16)

Expert Predictions

Raleigh. His swing is perfect for the Derby: he leads MLB this season in line drive percentage and fly ball percentage. In addition, he has become a prolific hitter from the right side. No switch hitter (or catcher) has ever won a Home Run Derby. The “Big Dumper” is poised to be the first, beating Buxton in the final.

Cruz. He’s perfect for the Derby: young enough to have the stamina required for a grueling event, a lefty, in a park where the ball carries better to right field and, most importantly, capable of hitting balls at unfathomable speeds. Raleigh will put on a good show, but he’ll finish second.
Alden Gonzalez

Olson. He’s a replacement for Acuña, and since he found out about his participation in the last 72 hours, he hasn’t had the practice rounds that the other competitors have. But he’s the only person in this group who has participated in the Derby before, which means he’s experienced the fast pace, the adrenaline, and the push of the crowd.
Buster Olney

Olson. The home-field advantage will mean something this year. Olson understands that and can keep pace accordingly. Plus, he was a late addition. He has nothing to lose. He will outperform the youngsters on the field. And I wouldn’t put Raleigh below second place: his first half screams that he will be in the final against Olson.
Jesse Rogers

Wood. His power is not disputed, he can hit balls to all fields. But the flaw is that he doesn’t hit the ball in the air as often as a typical hitter. In an event where he will do everything possible to lift the balls, Wood will show his giant power on his way to victory over Cruz in the final.
Jorge Castillo

Who will connect the longest home run?

Cruz. Hits the ball harder than anyone in baseball history. 493 feet.
Jeff Passan

James Wood. It will become the third. 497 feet.

James Wood. 497 feet.
Buster Olney

Buxton will break his massive strength and crush a ball at least 505 feet.
Jesse Rogers

Cross. 500 feet.
Jorge Castillo

Which player will surprise the fans?

Buxton. He will remind the world why he was the number 1 prospect in baseball in 2015. Buxton has the opportunity to put on a show that fans won’t soon forget.
Jeff Passan

Caminero. Refined his ability to cover inside pitches and is flourishing this year into a player with ridiculous power. Will open some eyes.
Buster Olney

What will be the most remembered moment of the Derby?

The incredible distances and speeds that will be achieved, particularly by Wood, Cruz, Caminero, Raleigh and Buxton. The warm and humid weather at Truist Park will only help the amazing power that will be displayed.
Alden Gonzalez