Home Run Derby 2025: Key Stats and Records to Watch

By Oliver Wiener July 09, 2025 09:30

The 2025 MLB Home Run Derby is set to electrify fans on July 14 at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia, coinciding with the All-Star festivities. This year’s contest features a star-studded lineup of eight power hitters, including some of the game’s hardest hitters and most prolific home run producers. As anticipation builds, here’s a look at the key stats, records, and storylines to watch during this year’s Derby.

The Field: Power and Potential

Among the confirmed participants are Pittsburgh Pirates slugger Oneil Cruz, Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton, Washington Nationals rising star James Wood, Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, and hometown favorite Ronald Acuña Jr. These five are already confirmed, with three spots remaining to complete the field.

Oneil Cruz has made headlines with the hardest-hit ball in the Statcast era a 122.9 mph missile that cleared PNC Park’s right-field bleachers and landed in the Allegheny River on May 25. Remarkably, he also holds the second-hardest hit ball at 122.4 mph. Despite a batting average of .203 this season, Cruz’s 15 home runs and league-leading 28 stolen bases showcase his rare combination of power and speed.

Byron Buxton, returning to his home state of Georgia for the Derby, has been a dynamic force in 73 games this season, hitting .270 with 20 home runs and 16 stolen bases. Notably, 15 of his homers are classified as “no doubters,” highlighting their unquestionable power. Buxton’s blend of speed and power makes him a fan favorite and a formidable Derby competitor.

James Wood, the 22-year-old Nationals outfielder, has quickly become a rising star. In just 165 career games, he boasts a .283 batting average with 22 home runs in 322 at-bats this season. His 12 “no doubters” reflect his prodigious power potential. Wood’s towering 6-foot-7 frame and left-handed swing add intrigue to his Derby performance.

Cal Raleigh is the current MLB home run leader with 32 homers, making him a formidable contender. The 28-year-old catcher is the first switch-hitter to reach 30 home runs before the All-Star break and is on pace to shatter the single-season home run record for catchers, currently held by Salvador Perez (48 homers in 2021). Raleigh’s presence adds historical significance to the Derby.

Ronald Acuña Jr., the Atlanta Braves superstar, is competing in front of his home crowd. After returning from a second ACL surgery, Acuña has hit nine home runs in 28 games, including a 467-foot blast. This marks his third Derby appearance, and he aims to win the title on home turf a feat achieved only three times before.

Format and Records to Watch

The Derby follows a timed format with three rounds. In the first round, hitters have three minutes and up to 40 pitches to hit as many home runs as possible, with a 45-second timeout allowed. Bonus time is awarded for long homers over 425 feet. The top four advance to the semifinals, which use the same rules but with head-to-head matchups. The final round shortens the time to two minutes and 27 pitches.

Key records to watch include the most home runs in a single Derby (Pete Alonso’s 41 in 2019) and the longest home run distances. The Derby’s emphasis on power and endurance makes these records challenging but attainable given the talent this year.

What to Expect

Analysts predict a high-octane Derby with multiple players capable of explosive displays. MLB analyst Tom Verducci noted, “With hitters like Cruz and Raleigh, we’re likely to see some of the hardest-hit balls and longest homers in Derby history.” The hometown advantage could also energize Acuña Jr., who has unfinished business after previous runner-up finishes.

As the Derby approaches, fans can expect a thrilling showcase of raw power, competitive spirit, and memorable moments. Whether records fall or new stars emerge, the 2025 Home Run Derby promises to be a highlight of the MLB season.

The action begins July 14 at 8 p.m. ET, broadcast live on ESPN and MLB Network, with Truist Park ready to host one of baseball’s most electrifying events.