⚾ 2025 MLB Home Run Derby: Date, Time, Participants, Predictions & How to Watch

Event: MLB Home Run Derby 2025
Date: Monday, July 14, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM CT / 5:00 PM PT
Location: Truist Park, Atlanta, Georgia
Broadcast: ESPN | Streaming via ESPN App, fuboTV, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV

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📰 Overview

The 2025 MLB Home Run Derby promises to be an electrifying event during All-Star Week, bringing together the league’s top sluggers for a showdown of power and precision. Taking place at Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves, this year's derby will feature several of the game’s brightest young stars and fan favorites, including Oneil Cruz, Cal Raleigh, Matt Olson, and more.

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🕗 What Time Does the Home Run Derby Start?

• Date: Monday, July 14, 2025

• Start Time: 8:00 PM Eastern Time

• Broadcast Channel: ESPN

• Streaming Services: ESPN App, Hulu + Live TV, fuboTV, YouTube TV, DIRECTV Stream (free trials may be available)

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🧢 Official 2025 Home Run Derby Participants

Here are the eight players competing in this year’s derby:

Player	Team
Cal Raleigh (C)	Seattle Mariners
James Wood (OF)	Washington Nationals
Brent Rooker (OF)	Oakland Athletics
Junior Caminero (3B)	Tampa Bay Rays
Oneil Cruz (SS/OF)	Pittsburgh Pirates
Byron Buxton (OF)	Minnesota Twins
Jazz Chisholm Jr. (2B)	New York Yankees
Matt Olson (1B)	Atlanta Braves

📝 Note: Matt Olson replaced Ronald Acuña Jr., who withdrew due to a minor back injury.

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🔁 Format & Rules

• First Round: 3 minutes or 40 pitches

• Semifinals & Final: 2 minutes or 27 pitches

• Bonus Time: Awarded for hitting a 425+ foot homer in bonus round

• Tiebreaker: 60-second swing-off (if needed)

• Timeouts: One 45-second timeout per round (not in bonus time)

This fast-paced format rewards raw power, endurance, and strategy.

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🌟 Players to Watch

🔥 Oneil Cruz (Pittsburgh Pirates)

The 6'7" shortstop is a fan-favorite known for his towering home runs and elite bat speed. His long reach and raw power make him a top contender.

💣 Cal Raleigh (Seattle Mariners)

With 38 home runs already this season, Raleigh enters as the top seed and a leading favorite to win the title.

🏠 Matt Olson (Atlanta Braves)

Returning to compete in front of his home crowd at Truist Park, Olson is a dangerous lefty power hitter who thrives under pressure.

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📊 Predictions & Odds (Unofficial)

• Cal Raleigh – +310 (Favorite)

• Oneil Cruz – +350

• James Wood – +400

• Matt Olson – +420

• Dark Horse: Junior Caminero

💬 Prediction: Expect a tight final between Raleigh and Cruz, with the ball flying high into the Atlanta night.

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📺 How to Watch the 2025 Home Run Derby

You can watch the Home Run Derby live on:

• TV: ESPN (English), ESPN2 (Statcast broadcast)

• Live Stream:

  • ESPN App

  • Hulu + Live TV

  • YouTube TV

  • fuboTV

  • DIRECTV Stream

(Many platforms offer free trials.)

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📅 MLB All-Star Week Schedule

Date	Event	Time (ET)
July 13	Futures Game & Celebrity Softball	4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
July 14	Home Run Derby	8:00 PM
July 15	MLB All-Star Game	7:00 PM

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✅ Final Thoughts

The 2025 Home Run Derby is shaping up to be one of the most exciting slugfests in recent memory. With young stars like Oneil Cruz, veterans like Matt Olson, and powerhouse hitters like Cal Raleigh, the night is set for fireworks.

Whether you’re watching for the thrills, the long balls, or just to see who will take the crown, don’t miss this electrifying event live from Atlanta.

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