Welcome to the much-anticipated All-Star Home Run Derby lineup! This year’s event promises excitement and fierce competition as eight Major League Baseball sluggers step up to the plate. The T-Mobile Home Run Derby is set to kick off at 8 PM ET on Monday, July 14, at Truest Park, home of the Atlanta Braves.
The tradition of the Home Run Derby dates back to 1985, with its first national telecast occurring in 1994. Over the years, this thrilling event has become a highlight of the All-Star Week festivities. It’s a stage where baseball’s biggest hitters showcase their power and skill for fans around the world.
The late Dave Parker holds a special place in Home Run Derby history as its inaugural champion. This year, he will be posthumously inducted into the Hall of Fame—a fitting tribute to his legacy in the sport. Last year’s winner, Teoscar Hernandez from the Los Angeles Dodgers, won’t be defending his title this time around after hitting an impressive 49 homers and claiming the $1 million prize.
The format for this year’s derby has evolved over time to keep fans on their toes. All eight participants will compete in the opening round, each getting three minutes to unleash their best swings. The top four performers will then advance through subsequent rounds until a final winner emerges. In case of ties during semifinals or finals, a nerve-wracking 60-second swing-off will determine who advances.
Let’s meet some of this year’s standout participants:
**Ronald Acuña Jr.:**
“Being able to play in front of my home crowd adds an extra level of excitement,”
says Acuña Jr., whose longest homer this season spanned an impressive 467 feet against San Diego Padres on May 23.
**Cal Raleigh:**
Raleigh has been crushing it this season with a whopping 35 homers and counting. His longest shot traveled an astounding 440 feet at Wrigley Field against the Cubs.
**James Wood:**
A rising star in Washington Nationals’ lineup, Wood has flexed his muscles with 23 homers so far. His mammoth shots include a towering blast measuring 451 feet against Miami Marlins.
**Byron Buxton:**
Known for his exceptional talent and power-hitting ability, Buxton enters this year’s derby with high expectations after slamming a monster homer that soared 479 feet against Texas Rangers.
**Oneil Cruz:**
Standing tall at 6’7″, Cruz is not your average shortstop turned center fielder for Pittsburgh Pirates. With his ability to hit long balls—including a majestic shot spanning 463 feet—he is one participant you don’t want to underestimate.
**Junior Caminero:**
At just age 22, Caminero is making waves with Tampa Bay Rays and earning his spot among elite sluggers with thunderous hits like his epic blast reaching 425 feet against Athletics recently.
**Brent Rooker:**
Utilizing his raw power as Athletics’ primary designated hitter, Rooker brings formidable strength and determination to clinch victory after launching towering shots like his memorable drive traveling an impressive distance of 440 feet.
**Jazz Chisholm Jr.:**
Switching positions from third base back to second for New York Yankees hasn’t dulled Chisholm Jr.’s offensive prowess as he boasts an impressive total of home runs including one that flew out at an impressive distance of
442 feet.
As these elite sluggers gear up for battle under the bright lights of Truest Park in Atlanta Braves’ territory, baseball fans are eagerly anticipating fireworks flying off their bats come derby night!
