The 2025 MLB Home Run Derby is set to take place tonight, July 14, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia. This year's event promises excitement with a mix of seasoned sluggers and fresh faces, all vying for the title of Home Run Derby champion.

Originally, Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. was slated to participate in front of his home crowd, but he had to withdraw due to back tightness. In his place, Braves first baseman Matt Olson will step up, offering local fans a hometown hero to cheer for. Olson, who led MLB with 54 home runs in 2023, participated in the 2021 Derby and is making his third All-Star Game appearance on Tuesday.

The confirmed participants for the 2025 Home Run Derby include:

• Matt Olson (Atlanta Braves)
• Byron Buxton (Minnesota Twins)
• Junior Caminero (Tampa Bay Rays)
• Jazz Chisholm Jr. (New York Yankees)
• Oneil Cruz (Pittsburgh Pirates)
• Cal Raleigh (Seattle Mariners)
• Brent Rooker (Oakland Athletics)
• James Wood (Washington Nationals)

Notably, seven of the eight participants are making their Derby debuts, adding an element of unpredictability to the competition. Teoscar Hernández, the 2024 Home Run Derby champion, will not be defending his title this year.

This year, MLB is retaining the format introduced in 2024. All eight competitors will participate in the opening round, each getting a chance to swing for three minutes or face a maximum of 40 pitches, whichever comes first. The top four performers will then advance to the semifinals, with seeding based on their home run totals from the first round. A tie in Round 1 will be broken by the hitter with the longest home run. The final round will consist of 27 pitches.

Adding a touch of history to the event, the 2025 Derby will honor the home run legacies of Hank Aaron and Babe Ruth. With the Derby and All-Star Game returning to Atlanta for the first time since 2000, MLB plans a tribute recognizing Ruth's 714 career home runs and Aaron's historic 715th blast, hit in Atlanta.

According to sports analysts, Cal Raleigh is entering the competition as a favorite, with Oneil Cruz and James Wood also predicted to perform well. Matt Olson is considered a long shot.

The 2025 MLB Home Run Derby promises to be an exciting event, showcasing some of baseball's brightest stars and honoring the sport's rich history.