The 2025 MLB Home Run Derby heads to Atlanta’s Truist Park, and while this year’s field doesn’t feature any of the league’s most notorious big hitters like Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge, or Juan Soto, it still boasts an exciting young group full of rising firepower. Fan favorites remain, including Braves first baseman Matt Olson, who’s looking to put on a show for the home crowd. With a fresh slate of sluggers ready to make their mark — and a lineup packed with athleticism, raw power, and swagger — this Derby has a little bit of everything. Let’s take a closer look at this year’s participants:

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Byron Buxton, Twins (.286 AVG, 21 HR)

Byron Buxton’s story is one of patience, perseverance, and now, redemption. After years of battling injuries, he’s finally healthy and putting together the most complete season of his career. With a .286 average and 21 home runs at the break, he’s proving he’s not just fast and flashy — he’s got serious pop. Buxton’s compact swing and explosive lower half make him a legitimate threat, especially in the later rounds when fatigue becomes a factor. And with the Derby taking place in his home state of Georgia, this could be the moment he finally reminds everyone just how great he truly is.

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Junior Caminero, Rays (.252 AVG, 23 HR)

At just 21 years old, Junior Caminero enters the Derby as one of the game’s brightest rising stars. His elite bat speed and mature approach have already allowed him to produce home runs at a veteran’s pace. Caminero’s swing is short, powerful, and efficient — ideal for conserving energy in a multi-round format. He might not be a household name yet, but a strong Derby showing could change that overnight. With 23 homers and a calm, consistent presence, he could very well be the breakout star of the night.

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Jazz Chisholm Jr., Yankees (.252 AVG, 17 HR)

Jazz Chisholm Jr. brings a whole lot of energy, flash, and confidence to the Derby stage. After moving to New York about a year ago, he’s settled into a new role with his team and quietly put together a solid first half. While not the most traditional power hitter in this field, his quick hands and aggressive swing give him sneaky pop. More importantly, Jazz is built for the spotlight — he thrives on big stages and knows how to connect with fans. He may not be the favorite on paper, but he’s hitting his stride again lately and has the swagger and confidence to shake up the bracket.

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Oneil Cruz, Pirates (.209, 16 HR)

Oneil Cruz is an anomaly in every way — a bigger-bodied shortstop with explosive power and elite arm strength. His season at the plate has been somewhat inconsistent, but that doesn’t matter much in a one-night home run contest. Cruz generates jaw-dropping exit velocity and can hit balls to places others can’t even reach. He’s a high-risk, high-reward Derby pick — if he finds his timing, he could hit the longest home run of the night. It only takes one round of pure contact for Cruz to flip the script on the competition.

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Matt Olson, Braves (.260, 17 HR)

Matt Olson might not be having the same power explosion he had in 2023, but make no mistake — he’s still a deadly Derby threat. The Braves slugger will be swinging in front of his home crowd at Truist Park, where he knows the sightlines, weather, and dimensions better than anyone. His smooth, uppercut lefty swing is perfect for launching long balls, especially to the Chop House in right field. The pressure of being the local favorite can be a double-edged sword, but Olson’s calm demeanor could help him channel it. If he heats up early, it’s possible he rides that wave all the way to the final round.

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Cal Raleigh, Mariners (.261, 38 HR)

Raleigh is just one blast away from tying Barry Bonds’ record for the most home runs in a season before the All-Star Break, yet he still flies under the radar nationally. The switch-hitting Mariners catcher has become a reliable force in Seattle’s lineup, especially from the left side, where he generates serious loft and lift. Nicknamed “Big Dumper,” his game may be unglamorous, but his power is no joke. In a Derby format built on rhythm and repeatability, Raleigh’s no-frills swing gives him a strong chance to survive deep into the bracket. Don’t be shocked if he ends up one of the last two standing.

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Brent Rooker, Athletics (.278, 20 HR)

Brent Rooker is one of the older contestants and might not be the flashiest name in the field, but he’s earned his spot with a quietly powerful season. The Athletics’ best bat has launched 20 homers while maintaining a near-.280 average, proving he can do more than just swing for the fences. Rooker’s strength lies in his simplicity — a strong, controlled swing that doesn’t need much to leave the yard. He’s the kind of guy who could surprise a few people with a first-round upset. If he gets hot, he could become a fan favorite as the Derby progresses.

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James Wood, Nationals (.278 AVG, 24 HR)

22-year-old James Wood enters the Derby as one of baseball’s fastest-rising breakout stars. His large 6’7” frame, easy power, and left-handed stroke make him an ideal fit for this kind of showcase. Wood’s 24 home runs at the break have helped carry a rebuilding Nationals team, and his performance has renewed fans’ belief in the future. His calm, almost effortless swing can generate towering shots that leave stadiums and fans speechless. If he gets into a rhythm early, he has all the tools to win the entire thing.

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As it stands right now, here’s who I have winning each matchup from the quarterfinals all the way to the final round:

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Quarterfinals

Cal Raleigh vs. Oneil Cruz

Cruz has the power to hit the longest homer of the night, but Raleigh is much steadier with his bat. With more than double the number of home runs Cruz has hit this year, the Mariners’ slugger knows how to maintain a consistent pace and doesn’t burn himself out early. Cruz puts on a show, but with the fewest home runs and lowest batting average among the eight contestants, he continues to struggle to string homers together.

Winner: Cal Raleigh

James Wood vs. Jazz Chisholm Jr.

Jazz is fun, flashy, and fast, and fans around the league love him. However, Wood is the real power threat, with a towering swing, smooth mechanics, and length that give him natural lift — especially in Truist Park. With a recent uptick in production, Jazz might put up a respectable fight, but Wood is simply the better overall hitter.

Winner: James Wood

Junior Caminero vs. Matt Olson

This is the most evenly matched quarterfinal. Caminero might have better numbers this season, but nobody knows this ballpark better than the Atlanta Brave himself. With the crowd behind him, Olson — even after replacing fellow Brave Ronald Acuña Jr. earlier this week — puts on an awesome show. He might have the experience, but in a matchup this razor-close, Caminero’s youth and efficiency give him a slight edge as he breaks Atlanta’s hearts.

Winner: Junior Caminero

Byron Buxton vs. Brent Rooker

Rooker is a solid slugger, but nobody in the Derby hits the baseball more consistently than Buxton. With his clean, powerful stroke and excellent timing, Buxton takes control early and never lets go. He might still be dealing with the effects of getting hit in the hand by a pitch earlier this week, but his athleticism is still more than enough to give him the edge here.

Winner: Byron Buxton

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Semifinals

Cal Raleigh vs. Byron Buxton

As the favorite in the Derby, Raleigh will be very steady, but even with all of his home runs this season, choosing to switch hit and counting out someone like Buxton would be a big mistake. Buxton’s bat speed and ability to adjust mid-round help him go on a tear in bonus time. Raleigh puts up a good number, but Buxton is on a mission to put on a show in front of his family and friends in Georgia — giving him just enough to secure the win in the final seconds.

Winner: Byron Buxton

James Wood vs. Junior Caminero

Two young stars, both built for this moment. Shockingly, as one of the biggest longshots to win it all, Caminero is fantastic and will shine — but with the Nationals’ history in this contest, I’m expecting a big showing from James Wood. He’ll be on a tear here and will beat Caminero in what ends up being a lopsided matchup.

Winner: James Wood

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Final

James Wood vs. Byron Buxton

The final ends up being a showdown between the two most consistent hitters in the contest: the young phenom vs. the home-state hero. Buxton rides the wave of momentum with a hot start, but Wood’s calm energy and high-arching swings take over. His consistency shines through in the final round, helping him become the third Nationals player since 2018 (Bryce Harper and Juan Soto) to win the Home Run Derby Chain.

Winner: James Wood