Get full details for the 2025 MLB Home Run Derby: start time, participants like Oneil Cruz and Cal Raleigh, format, matchups, and where to watch live.
🏟️ Event Overview & Context
The 2025 MLB Home Run Derby takes place July 14 at Truist Park, Atlanta’s All‑Star Game venue, airing at 8 pm ET on ESPN.
The event returns with updated rules: three-round bracket + bonus outs for 425-foot homers. It’s a prime summer spectacle ahead of the All‑Star Game 2025 on July 15.
🧢 Participants & Field
Eight sluggers will swing for glory:
Cal Raleigh (Mariners) – favorite, 38 HRs, switch‑hitting catcher.
Oneil Cruz (Pirates) – record‑breaking 122.9 mph blast, first Pirates since 2019.
James Wood (Nationals) – 24 HRs, Nationals youngster with big bat.
Byron Buxton (Twins) – longball leader, emotional team leader.
Matt Olson (Braves) – replacing injured Acuña, home advantage.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. (Yankees) – first Derby appearance; cautious due to injuries.
Brent Rooker (A’s) – veteran hitter; coach pitches for him.
Junior Caminero (Rays) – fast‑rising young slugger.
⏰ Time & How to Watch
Start: Monday, July 14 at 8 pm ET / 5 pm PT live on ESPN/ESPN2, also streaming via MLB.com & MLB.tv .
Canada: Watch on Sportsnet+
🧩 Derby Format & Rules
First Round: 3 minutes or 40 pitches + bonus outs.
Semis: Top 4 advance, 2 minutes or 27 pitches.
Finals: 2 minutes or 27 pitches, swing-off tiebreakers if tied.
THE MOMENT > THE CELLY 🤯
Ian Desmond had a MONSTER round to help clinch the win for the Nats‼️#HomeRunDerbyX pic.twitter.com/E0F2m2pXkL
— MLB’s Home Run Derby X (@homerunderbyx) July 14, 2025
đź’° Betting Odds & Expert Picks
Favorites: Cal Raleigh (+275–+300), Oneil Cruz (+330–+350), and James Wood (+400) .
Underdogs: Byron Buxton (+900), Matt Olson (+900), Rooker (+1000), Caminero (+950), Chisholm (+1400) .
Expert pick: favorite Raleigh, but one to watch is Cruz with raw power .
đź’Ą Pro Storylines & Highlights
Oneil Cruz: First Pirate since 2019, hardest‑hit HR (122.9 mph).
Cal Raleigh: Could be first catcher champ; pitching from his dad Todd.
Jazz Chisholm: Injuries a concern, yet eager to compete.
Matt Olson: Late addition, energized by local cheering .
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