MLB Home Run Derby lineup: Meet the 2025 participants, from Cal Raleigh to James Wood
No one in the 2025 Home Run Derby has won the event before. Of the active winners, none elected to participate, setting the stage for some new blood to wear the chain in Atlanta.
Advertisement
The field features two players who are just 22 years old, along with MLB's home run leader, a former MVP, MLB's exit velocity king, one of the game's biggest personalities and two veterans enjoying terrific seasons.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Here's what you need to know about each Home Run Derby participant as the action gets underway at Truist Park.
MORE:Who will win the Home Run Derby?
2025 MLB Home Run Derby participants
Byron Buxton, Twins
Age: 31
Appearance: 1st
HRs in 2025: 20
Career HRs: 153
The oldest player in the field, Twins star Byron Buxton is making his Home Run Derby debut. Buxton comes with a lengthy injury history, but he's closing in on playing at least 100 games in back-to-back seasons for the first time in his career. A true five-tool player when at his best, Buxton is having one of the best power-hitting seasons of his career and earned his second All-Star selection to represent an otherwise middling Twins team in Atlanta. Buxton is looking to become the Twins' first Home Run Derby winner since Justin Morneau in 2008.
Advertisement
MORE:Looking back at the youngest Home Run Derby winners in history
Junior Caminero, Rays
Age: 22
Appearance: 1st
HRs in 2025: 23
Career HRs: 30
Rays 3B Junior Caminero has the fewest career home runs of the eight Home Run Derby participants, but he's a worthy choice. The 22-year-old former top prospect has broken out in his first season with an everyday player, blasting 23 home runs through his first 88 games. While Caminero can still round out his profile by becoming a more consistent contact hitter, the Rays look like they have a player worth building around. Caminero is looking to become the first player in Rays history to win the Home Run Derby.
MORE:Does the Home Run Derby actually ruin players' swings?
Advertisement
Jazz Chisholm Jr., Yankees
Age: 27
Appearance: 1st
HRs in 2025: 17 (missed 31 games)
Career HRs: 94
Yankees INF Jazz Chisholm Jr. went on the IL with a dismal .181 AVG in April, but he has an OPS north of 1.000 since returning and has morphed into the power hitter New York hoped the former Marlins standout would become with 10 home runs in barely more than a month. An electrifying player and personality who will undoubtedly bring some flair to the derby, Chisholm is looking to become the Yankees' first Home Run Derby winner since teammate Aaron Judge won in 2017.
MORE: Ranking the 13 greatest Home Run Derby performances in history
Oneil Cruz, Pirates
Age: 26
Appearance: 1st
HRs in 2025: 16
Career HRs: 56
Pirates CF Oneil Cruz hasn't had anything close to the season he wanted to this point, barely hovering over a .200 AVG after hitting so well down the stretch in 2024, but he is one of the Home Run Derby favorites for a reason. The only non All-Star in the field, Cruz broke his own record this season for MLB's hardest-hit ball of the Statcast era (2015-present), and he can mammoth home runs when he gets ahold of the ball. Cruz is closing in on his career-high of 21 home runs in a season, and a controlled environment in Atlanta without so much swing-and-miss potential should make him dangerous. Cruz is looking to become the Pirates' first-ever Home Run Derby winner; he's their first participant since 2013.
Advertisement
MORE:Complete list of the longest tape-measure shots in Home Run Derby history
Matt Olson, Braves
Age: 31
Appearance: 2nd
HRs in 2025: 17
Career HRs: 276
A late addition to the field after Ronald Acuna Jr. pulled out due to a back issue, Olson is both the only competitor who has participated in the derby before and the leading career home run hitter among the group. Olson's power has been inconsistent over the last two seasons, with 46 home runs between 2024 and 2025 after he blasted a stunning 54 in 2023, but there is no doubt his swing is built to make him a contender in his home ballpark. Olson hit 23 first round home runs in his first derby appearance but fell to Trey Mancini, who reached the finals. Olson is aiming to become the Braves' first-ever Home Run Derby winner.
Cal Raleigh, Mariners
Age: 28
Appearance: 1st
HRs in 2025: 36
Career HRs: 129
Advertisement
Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh has had a sensational season, threatening the record for most home runs before the All-Star break and putting the single-season record for home runs by a catcher in serious jeopardy. Once an all-or-nothing hitter who was perhaps most valuable for his defensive work behind the plate, Raleigh has morphed into the complete package. Raleigh already averages the highest launch angle of any qualified hitter, so his swing will be ready to go as he tries to become the Mariners' first Home Run Derby winner since Ken Griffey Jr. in 1999.
MORE:Why did Ken Griffey Jr. wear his hat backwards in the Home Run Derby?
Brent Rooker, Athletics
Age: 30
Appearance: 1st
HRs in 2025: 19
Career HRs: 98
Athletics DH Brent Rooker was one of the best stories in baseball over the last two years, morphing from a journeyman into one of the game's premier power hitter for a franchise that badly needed something to root for. After nearly hitting 40 home runs last season, Rooker has proven his success is not fluke, and he is an All-Star in 2025 with 19 home runs before the break. Rooker is looking to become the A's first Home Run Derby winner since Yoenis Cespedes in 2014; a win would tie the franchise with the Yankees for most derby wins.
Advertisement
MORE:Complete list of every Home Run Derby winner by year
James Wood, Nationals
Age: 22
Appearance: 1st
HRs in 2025: 24
Career HRs: 33
Nationals OF James Wood has the most recent debut of anyone in the field, only arriving to the majors a little more than a year ago, but what a year it's been. The 22-year-old has quickly become one of the most feared hitters in baseball, and not just because of his size. With 24 home runs, an on-base percentage flirting with .400 and an OPS+ 65 points above league average, Wood is a bright spot on a Nationals team that has otherwise stalled since last season. Wood, a Maryland native, was acquired from the Padres as part of the Juan Soto deal in 2022 — he can now become Washington's first derby winner since Soto, who won less than three weeks before the trade.
MORE:16 NFL stars you didn't know were also drafted by MLB teams
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
15 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Cal Raleigh wins 2025 MLB Home Run Derby: Highlights from Atlanta slugfest
USA TODAY and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Pricing and availability subject to change. ATLANTA — The Big Dumper did it. After putting together a record-setting first half, Cal Raleigh won Major League Baseball's 2025 Home Run Derby at Truist Park, earning himself the title of baseball's top slugger. Advertisement The Seattle Mariners slugger who hit 38 home runs before the All-Star break – the second-most in MLB history – dispatched the Tampa Bay Rays' 22-year-old Junior Caminero in the final, and is the first catcher to win the Home Run Derby. With his dad pitching and younger brother catching, Raleigh became the second Mariner to be crowned Derby champion, joining Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr., who won it three times. "You don't think you're gonna win it. You do't think you're even going to be invited," Raleigh said. "Then you get invited and the fact that you win it with your family is super special. What a night." ATLANTA ALL-STAR GAME: The Battery is the envy of sports – but ballpark village isn't all peachy Advertisement But Raleigh's night almost ended early, advancing out of the first round by less than one inch. Raleigh and Brent Rooker had finished tied for fourth with 17 homers, with the tiebreaker being their longest home run. That looked tied as well with MLB's live tracker showing both at 471 feet, but Raleigh's 470.61-foot homer (literally) inched out Rooker's 470.53-foot shot. "My goodness gracious, it's close. It's just crazy," Raleigh said after his win. "An inch off, and I'm not even in the final four. Just amazing. "I guess I got lucky there. One extra biscuit." Then, Raleigh came alive in the semifinals, slugging 19 homers to easily defeat the Pittsburgh Pirates' Oneil Cruz. Cruz had brought the crowd to its feet in the first round, crushing a 513-foot blast – the longest of the night – for the eighth of his 21 home runs. Advertisement "To do it as a family was really special," Cal's dad Todd Raleigh said after the Derby. "I don't know why we've been blessed like this ... When it involved the family, the complexion changed. And we thought, if he doesn't hit any home runs, we're still gonna be good." Asked how his son became a switch-hitter, Todd didn't skip a beat. "Did it from the first day, when he was in diapers, literally," Todd said. "And I would take that big ball and he had a big red bat. I'd throw it slow and he'd hit it. Then I'd say stay there, pick him up, turn him around, switch his hands and do it again." Byron Buxton, who hit 20 in the first round, fell to Caminero in the other semifinal. Advertisement Also eliminated in the first round were the Washington Nationals' James Wood (16 HR), hometown favorite Matt Olson (15) and New York Yankees infielder Jazz Chisholm (3). Here's how the night unfolded at Truist Park: Home Run Derby final: Cal Raleigh beats Junior Caminero The final is set with Cal Raleigh facing Junior Caminero. Raleigh led off in the final and had a blast, slugging 18 home runs – which is going to be a tough number for Caminero to beat. Caminero pepped the right field seats with homers and ended regulation with 14, setting up a dramatic bonus period where he needed four to tie Raleigh. Caminero only managed one, making Raleigh the 2025 champion. Cal Raleigh defeats Oneil Cruz After getting into the semifinals by a literal Big Dumper came alive in the semifinal with 19 home runs. Cruz crushed it in the first round, but came up short in the semifinals with 13 homers to end his night. Junior Caminero defeats Byron Buxton Buxton hit seven home runs in his semifinal round, unable to find the late burst that powered him out of the first round. Caminero walked it off with his eighth home run, advancing to the final where he will face Cal Raleigh or Oneil Cruz. Home Run Derby semifinals set It'll be Byron Buxton vs. Junior Caminero and Oneil Cruz vs. Cal Raleigh in the knockout stage, with the winners advancing to the final. Home Run Derby score sheet: Live stats from first round * Advances to semifinals // ^ Eliminated Cal Raleigh, Mariners — 17 HR * James Wood, Nationals — 16 HR ^ Junior Caminero, Rays — 21 HR * Byron Buxton, Twins — 20 HR * Brent Rooker, Athletics — 17 HR ^ Matt Olson, Braves — 15 HR ^ Jazz Chisholm, Yankees — 3 HR ^ Oneil Cruz, Pirates — 21 HR * Cal Raleigh advances to semifinals by matter of inches With only one spot left in the semifinals Cal Raleigh and Brent Rooker each finished the first round with 17 home runs. The tiebreaker was longest home run distance, which appeared tied initially. But Raleigh's longest went 470.61 feet while Rooker's traveled 470.53 – a tie broken by 0.08 feet. Advertisement Hometown hero Matt Olson comes up short With the Truist Field fans behind him, the Braves' first baseman locked in and finished regular time with 15 home runs – but failed to hit another in bonus time to force his way into the semifinaks. Cal Raleigh switches it up, hits 17 With his dad pitching and brother catching, Raleigh started the round batting left-handed, flipped coming out of a timeout – and then went back to the left side for the bonus time. Delivered in the clutch, tying him with Brent Rooker for fourth place with 17. Jazz Chisholm Jr. turns in ugly performance The Yankees infielder was booed after his round, hitting just three home runs to ensure a quick elimination. Chisholm struggled mightily, fouling a number of swings straight back into the stands. Byron Buxton puts himself in position with 20 HR The Minnesota Twins' Georgia native hit 20 home runs in his round, the longest traveling 466 feet. He's in third place with three batters remaining, and can only watch as he awaits his fate. Advertisement Oneil Cruz hit a baseball 513 feet The Pittsburgh Pirates' center fielder brought the Truist Park crowd to its feet, launching home runs that traveled 513 and 488 feet. He finished the round with 21, tying him for the lead halfway through. Junior Caminero tees off: 21 homers to take the lead The Tampa Bay Rays third baseman is in the lead after three hitters, crushing 21 home run in his round. Brent Rooker next up: 17 home runs The Athletics right-hander moved to the top of the leaderboard with 17 home runs, his longest traveling 471 feet. James Wood leads off Home Run Derby The Washington Nationals' second-year slugger was first up and had a huge round, hitting 16 homers with a longest shot of 486 feet. Who is in the Home Run Derby? (Home run totals at the All-Star break) Advertisement Cal Raleigh: 'The Big Dumper' makes Home Run Derby a family affair ATLANTA — When Cal Raleigh steps to the plate for his first swing at the Home Run Derby, his past, present and future coalesce. Pitching is his father Todd, the former Western Carolina and Tennessee coach, the man who dragged young Cal along to practices and batboy opportunities and built a workout facility at their North Carolina home. And catching is Todd 'T' Raleigh, Raleigh's 15-year-old brother whose games he tries to attend when his Seattle Mariners travels take him to back to the Deep South, who dons the hand-me-down cleats big brother bequeaths. – Gabe Lacques Home Run Derby odds Odds via BetMGM as of 12 p.m. Advertisement Cal Raleigh : +280 Oneil Cruz: +350 James Wood : +400 Matt Olson : +900 Brent Rooker : +900 Byron Buxton : +950 Junior Caminero : +1000 Jazz Chisholm Jr.: +1500 Home Run Derby rules, new format The 2025 Home Run Derby features three rounds: the first round, semifinals and finals. In the first round, the hitters have three minutes or 40 pitches (whichever comes first) to hit as many home runs as they can. Each player gets a bonus period that lasts until they take three swings that don't result in a homer. If a home run of 425 feet or longer is hit during the bonus time, the hitter gets a fourthout The four players with the highest totals advance to the semifinals – with first-round ties being broken by the player who hit the longest home run in their round. Advertisement The semifinals becomes a knockout format, with players seeded Nos. 1-4 based on their first-round totals. Players have two minutes or 27 pitches in the semifinals and finals. Ties in the semifinal are broken by a 60-second "swing-off." Each batter gets one 45-second timeout – but timeouts be called during bonus periods or tiebreakers. Who won last year's Home Run Derby? Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez was crowned 2024 Home Run Derby champion after defeating Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. in the finals. Hernandez slugged 14 homers in the final round, one more than Witt, to become the first Dodgers player to win the Derby title. Advertisement MLB Home Run Derby winners by year 1985 : Dave Parker, Reds 1986 : Wally Joyner, Angels & Darryl Strawberry, Mets 1987 : Andre Dawson, Cubs 1988 : Not held 1989 : Eric Davis, Reds & Ruben Sierra, Rangers 1990 : Ryne Sandberg, Cubs 1991 : Cal Ripken Jr., Orioles 1992 : Mark McGwire, Athletics 1993 : Juan Gonzalez, Rangers 1994 : Ken Griffey Jr., Mariners 1995 : Frank Thomas, White Sox 1996 : Barry Bonds, Giants 1997 : Tino Martinez, Yankees 1998 : Ken Griffey Jr., Mariners 1999 : Ken Griffey Jr., Mariners 2000 : Sammy Sosa, Cubs 2001 : Luis Gonzalez, Diamondbacks 2002 : Jason Giambi, Yankees 2003 : Garret Anderson, Angels 2004 : Miguel Tejada, Orioles 2005 : Bobby Abreu, Phillies 2006 : Ryan Howard, Phillies 2007 : Vladimir Guerrero, Angels 2008 : Justin Morneau, Twins 2009 : Prince Fielder, Brewers 2010 : David Ortiz, Red Sox 2011 : Robinson Cano, Yankees 2012 : Prince Fielder, Tigers 2013 : Yoenis Cespedes, Athletics 2014 : Yoenis Cespedes, Athletics 2015 : Todd Frazier, Reds 2016 : Giancarlo Stanton, Marlins 2017 : Aaron Judge, Yankees 2018 : Bryce Harper, Nationals 2019 : Pete Alonso, Mets 2020 : Not held (COVID) 2021 : Pete Alonso, Mets 2022 : Juan Soto, Nationals 2023 : Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Blue Jays 2024: Teoscar Hernandez, Dodgers This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Who won Home Run Derby? Cal Raleigh highlights, All-Star results
Yahoo
20 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Fans pack into Truist Park for 2025 MLB Home Run Derby
From servers slinging out orders to sluggers launching dingers, the Battery served up nothing but heat Monday during the 2025 MLB Home Run Derby. Visitors to the Battery, like Chig Okonkwo, said the excitement in the crowd was palpable. Advertisement 'You know these guys work hard, so having fans come out here—I know they're very happy for that. It's an exciting atmosphere for sure,' Okonkwo told Channel 2's Brittany Kleinpeter. For many fans, the night wasn't just about chasing home runs—it was about chasing history. The derby returned to Atlanta for the first time in 25 years, and Atlanta Braves player Matt Olson, who attended the last Atlanta derby in 2000 as a fan, now found himself playing in it. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Season ticket holders like David Gollar were betting on the Gwinnett County native. 'Matt Olson is going to win without a doubt,' said Gollar. Advertisement The night culminated in big crowds, big swings, and even bigger dreams. Tickets for the event appeared limited on third-party sites, with Vivid Seats reporting that only 3% of tickets were available prior to the derby. The event has historically been one of the most popular among fans. Cal Raleigh, the catcher for the Seattle Mariners, won the derby. He defeated Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays in the final round. It is the first time a catcher has won the Home Run Derby. ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 14: Byron Buxton #25 of the Minnesota Twins competes during the Home Run Derby at Truist Park on July 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by) ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 14: Junior Caminero #13 of the Tampa Bay Rays competes during the Home Run Derby at Truist Park on July 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 14: Matt Olson #28 of the Atlanta Braves is introduced before the Home Run Derby at Truist Park on July 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 14: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees looks on during the Home Run Derby at Truist Park on July 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 14: Oneil Cruz #15 of the Pittsburgh Pirates competes during the Home Run Derby at Truist Park on July 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by) ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 14: Cal Raleigh #29 of the Seattle Mariners competes in the final round of the Home Run Derby at Truist Park on July 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 14: Brent Rooker #25 of the Athletics competes during the Home Run Derby at Truist Park on July 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 14: Junior Caminero #13 of the Tampa Bay Rays is introduced before the Home Run Derby at Truist Park on July 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 14: James Wood #29 of the Washington Nationals competes during the Home Run Derby at Truist Park on July 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 14: Max Fried #54 of the New York Yankees looks on during the Home Run Derby at Truist Park on July 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 14: Matt Olson #28 of the Atlanta Braves competes during the Home Run Derby at Truist Park on July 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 14: Oneil Cruz #15 of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Brent Rooker #25 of the Athletics are introduced before the Home Run Derby at Truist Park on July 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 14: Chris Sale #51 and Matt Olson #28 of the Atlanta Braves embrace during the Home Run Derby at Truist Park on July 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by) ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 14: Cal Raleigh #29 of the Seattle Mariners celebrates with teammates Bryan Woo #22 and Randy Arozarena #56 and brother Todd Raleigh Jr. after the final round of the Home Run Derby at Truist Park on July 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 14: James Wood #29 of the Washington Nationals competes during the Home Run Derby at Truist Park on July 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 14: Junior Caminero #13 of the Tampa Bay Rays competes during the final round of the Home Run Derby at Truist Park on July 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 14: Jazz Chisholm Jr. #13 of the New York Yankees competes during the Home Run Derby at Truist Park on July 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by) ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 14: Ronald Acuna #13 and Matt Olson #28 of the Atlanta Braves embrace during the Home Run Derby at Truist Park on July 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by) ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 14: Oneil Cruz #15 of the Pittsburgh Pirates competes during the Home Run Derby at Truist Park on July 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by) ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 14: Professional wrestler Cody Rhodes speaks to the crowd during the Home Run Derby at Truist Park on July 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by) ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 14: Cal Raleigh #29 of the Seattle Mariners celebrates after winning the Home Run Derby at Truist Park on July 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by) ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 14: Cal Raleigh #29 of the Seattle Mariners receives the championship belt from professional wrestler Cody Rhodes after winning the Home Run Derby at Truist Park on July 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by) ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 14: Cal Raleigh #29 of the Seattle Mariners and his brother Todd Raleigh Jr. pose with the trophy and belt after the Home Run Derby at Truist Park on July 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by) ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 14: Participants in the Home Run Derby are introduced at Truist Park on July 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by) ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 14: A detailed view of home plate is seen following the Home Run Derby at Truist Park on July 14, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by) TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
USA Today
an hour ago
- USA Today
Best friends, All-Stars for life: Alejandro Kirk, Jonathan Aranda put on for Mexico
ATLANTA – In the lifelong friendship between Jonathan Aranda and Alejandro Kirk, it is Aranda who's theoretically the big brother. Born on May 23, 1998, Aranda came into this world nearly six months before Kirk followed. And they've been besties since Aranda, he says, 'knew how to speak,' while growing up in Tijuana. Yet in the winding path from the hardball fields of Mexico to Major League Baseball, it was Kirk who arrived first in the big leagues, Kirk who stuck as a regular, won a Silver Slugger, made the All-Star team. So it was no small thing when Kirk and Alejandro reported to Truist Park as teammates, two dreamers who all at once could claim the same honor: American League All-Star. They are putting on for their ballclubs, their families and perhaps most notably for Mexico, a land that gets overlooked when the Dominican Republic and Venezuela are so prolific at sending their sons onward to the big leagues. In this Midsummer Classic, though, there are four Mexican natives on the rosters: Aranda and Kirk, along with injured Houston Astros third baseman Isaac Paredes and Seattle Mariners closer Andrés Muñoz. Additionally, Mariners outfielder Randy Arozarena earned Mexican citizenship in 2022, seven years after defecting from Cuba. It is no small thing, says Kirk. 'Mucho. Mucho para el pais, para Mexico,' he says, confirming how important it is for the country. And yet no two connections in this game come close to Kirk and Aranda, whose families have converged on Atlanta for the game. 'I'm very happy to be here with him, my family, his family,' says Kirk via Blue Jays translator Hector Lebron. 'The year he's having right now is very special. I'm very happy for him.' It's a nice bit of timing that both are peaking for clubs in the throes of the American League East race. Kirk, a catcher, was an All-Star in 2022, when he batted .285 with a .372 OBP and was worth 4.0 WAR, yet tailed off the next two seasons. In the meantime, Aranda failed in his first three bids to stick with Tampa Bay, never playing in more than 34 games before this season. Yet at 27, it has all clicked. Aranda has posted a .324/.399/.492 line, his .892 OPS good for a 151 adjusted OPS. He has 31 extra-base hits. Despite his modest 11 home runs, he's the best-performing first baseman in the AL. And it's even better joining a pal in the festivities. 'It means a lot. He's my best friend since I was a kid,' says Aranda through Rays translator Eddie Rodriguez. 'It is something really amazing to share the diamond and playing with him here. 'He was a great example. I know and I saw from up close, his path to make it to the major leagues.' Aranda's journey has similarly inspired the Rays, whose plug-and-play ethos sometimes doesn't breed everyday players but rather platoon-oriented parts to a bigger machine. But Aranda has seized his role, his 358 plate appearances trailing only fellow All-Star Junior Caminero and veteran DH Yandy Diaz. His 2.9 WAR leads a team now 50-47 and 1 ½ games out of a wild card berth. 'It's all the recognition that he deserves. He's finally up there on the national stage for what he's able to do,' says Rays All-Star second baseman Brandon Lowe. 'As consistent as he's been all year, it's fantastic to really kind of show him off a bit – this is our guy.' And for the more veteran Rays, Aranda's capabilities were probably more evident than the guy trying to stick for good. 'Just the confidence in himself, man,' says Lowe. 'We all knew what he had; we've all seen it before. The big leagues is harder than the minors, believe it or not. It just took him a little bit to get going. 'The biggest thing is him understanding and not faltering and stuck to who he was.' He'll reap the benefits this week. Aranda will be joined in Atlanta by his parents, sisters, brother, brother-in-law and nieces. And above all, will represent his country. Aranda says it will be something 'really good and amazing' to know he and Kirk's exploits will be beamed back home for a new generation. His buddy agrees. 'First of all, you've got to be proud,' says Kirk. 'Proud to represent my country, Mexico, and a bunch of Mexican players in the All-Star Game. 'We should all be proud of that.' The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.
