The 2025 Home Run Derby is taking shape! The most anticipated event of the summer will be held on Monday, July 14th at Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves. Major League Baseball has already confirmed its first three star participants.
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Acuna Jr., Raleigh, and Wood: The First Confirmed Names
Ronald Acuña Jr., Cal Raleigh, and James Wood are the first confirmed hitters for the T-Mobile Home Run Derby 2025.Ronald Acuña Jr.: The Host with a Thirst for Revenge
Venezuelan Braves superstar Ronald Acuña Jr. will host the Derby. This will be his third participation, seeking to overcome the two previous eliminations against Pete Alonso (2019 and 2022). Despite an injury that sidelined him at the beginning of the season, Acuña has demonstrated his power with 9 home runs in 28 games since his return on May 23, including a 467-foot hit and a maximum exit velocity of 115.5 mph. Acuña will seek to join Bryce Harper (2018), Todd Frazier (2015) and Ryne Sandberg (1990) as the only players to win the Derby in front of their home crowd.Cal Raleigh: Power from Seattle
Cal Raleigh, Mariners catcher, arrives at the event as the MLB leader in home runs with 35 home runs. His power makes him a serious contender, with a 440-foot hit and an exit velocity of 115.2 mph. Raleigh could make history as the second player to bat from both sides of the plate in a Derby, following in the footsteps of Adley Rutschman in 2023. In addition, he will seek to join Ken Griffey Jr. as the only Derby winners in Mariners history.James Wood: The Electrifying Debutant
James Wood, a young Nationals prospect, is also confirmed for the Home Run Derby. At 22 years old and in his first full season in the Major Leagues, Wood has impressed with 23 home runs, a maximum of 451 feet, and an impressive exit velocity of 116.3 mph. With 6 feet 7 inches, Wood combines his great physique with a unique approach in the Derby: hard lines towards the center and the opposite band. He will be the third Nationals player to compete in the Derby since 2005, following Bryce Harper and Juan Soto (winner in 2022).Next Steps
More participant announcements are expected this week. The event will be held as part of the 2025 All-Star Game Weekend, which will culminate on July 15 with the Mid-Season Classic, also at Truist Park. Keep an eye on the details of All-Star Week.Confirmed so far for the 2025 HR Derby:
- 🇻🇪 Ronald Acuña Jr. (Braves)
- 🇺🇸 Cal Raleigh (Mariners)
- 🇺🇸 James Wood (Nationals)
