2025 MLB Home Run Derby: Newest confirmed competitors, previous winners
Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani recently indicated that he's unlikely to participate and Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz has already declined an invitation, but we can still expect plenty of big names. We'll add more names as they are confirmed.
Shohei Ohtani said he probably won't participate in this year's Home Run Derby
He noted that the current rules are "pretty difficult," presumably because of the amount of swings the event requires. Would be a lot while he also continues to build up as a pitcher
Who Will Compete in the 2025 Home Run Derby?
(Statistics from the morning of July 1)
Ronald Acuña Jr., OF Atlanta Braves
Cal Raleigh C, Seattle Mariners
D.J. Short,
The hometown favorite, Acuña has been one of the best hitters in the majors since returning from his second ACL surgery. This will be his third career Home Run Derby; he lost to Mets first baseman Pete Alonso in both 2019 and 2022. With the event taking place in Atlanta, the timing is right for him to finally take the prize.
HE IS BACK.
Ronald Acuña Jr. homers on the first pitch he sees! pic.twitter.com/LZgwO3b8kZ
Raleigh has put together a historic first half, both as a catcher and a switch-hitter. On a related note, Raleigh will be the first switch-hitter to participate in the Home Run Derby since Adley Rutschman in 2021. Caleigh's father, Todd, is slated to throw to the Seattle slugger.
Cal Raleigh blasts his MLB-leading 23rd home run of the year! 💪 pic.twitter.com/UKodR74mq8
Who are the recent champions in the Home Run Derby?
2024: Teoscar Hernandez
2023: Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
2022: Juan Soto
2021: Pete Alonso
2020: N/A
2019: Pete Alonso
2018: Bryce Harper
2017: Aaron Judge
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