Go Yard with our MLB Home Run Derby Predictions

Shohei said no way, Alonso is gone-zo, there are a number of notable absences in this year’s Home Run derby. Former winners have discussed how draining the contest can be physically and have chosen to focus on team success rather than individual glory. Despite the high-profile players that declined to compete, there are still a number of current and future stars to watch hit dingers this year. 

Cal Raleigh, Mariners +330

The switch-hitting phenom is on pace to set a new American League Home Run record. He’s already hit 21 homers batting left-handed and 11 right-handed and has said he may switch-hit during the Derby. Raleigh grew up just 150 miles from Truist Park and the amazing power he’s put on display so far this season should make him a top contender in his first Home Run Derby.

Ronald Acuña Jr., Braves +400

Coming back from injury, he’s trying to become just the fourth player to win the Home Run Derby in his home park. Acuña has competed in the Home Run Derby twice. He may be more of a nostalgia pick rather than an actual contender, but when he’s healthy, he has been able to put up over 40 home runs in a season. 

James Woods, Nationals +700

In just his first full season in the MLB, Woods has already built a reputation as an intimidating hitter. He’s gone yard 23 times already this season and has a batting average of .288. At just 22 years-old Woods is already being discussed as a future MVP. Woods ranks in the 97th percentile in average exit velocity and 99th percentile in hard-hit rate, meaning even a slight mishit from him is still likely to be a home run with most BP pitches.

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Byron Buxton, Twins +800

Selected as an All-Star for the second time in his career, Buxton is another “local” favorite. It would be hard to say that Byron is known as a power hitter, though he did hit 28 home runs in just 92 games in 2022. So far he’s hit 20 this season and is on pace to have his most productive season ever. If he can avoid injuries, this could be a big year for the former number 2 overall pick. 

Oneil Cruz, Pirates +330

The Pittsburgh center fielder is known for his exit velo, recently breaking his own record for the hardest hit home run in the statcast era. Despite his bat speed, Cruz has never hit more than 21 home runs in a season. 2025 has by far been his best season as far as home runs go as he’ll enter the All-Star break with 16. The 26 year-old, may be a bit of an outsider but Cruz feels confident, "I like to hit balls far. I think I'm going to enjoy it a lot."

Junior Caminero, Rays +1300

The 22 year-old from the Dominican Republic is the leading home run hitter among all AL third basemen with 22, and was just named as a replacement for the All-Star game. This is his third season in the MLB, but the first in which he’s played in over 80 games. A .250-ish hitter this season, the All-Star game and Home Run Derby could be a chance for him to break out and cast a spotlight on himself. 

Brent Rooker, Athletics +1100

Rooker is on pace for his 3rd consecutive 30 HR season, and leads the A’s with 19 dingers already this season. The 30 year-old right fielder has been a ray of light for the struggling Athletics and has said, "Competing in the Home Run Derby has always been a dream of mine" How he’ll fare in the 3 minute speed-hitting competition remains to be seen, but as he said himself, "I mean, look, just about every swing I've ever taken in my life I've been trying to hit a home run.”

Jazz Chisholm Jr., Yankees +900

Jazz isn’t a stranger to the All-Star Week festivities, as he’s a former two-time All-Star. The Yankees’ second baseman isn’t the biggest power hitter in the Bronx, but he has hit 17 homers this season in just 62 games. This will be Jazz’s first time competing in the Home Run Derby and he’ll be looking to follow in the footsteps of previous Yankee winners like Tino Martinez, Robinson Cano and his current teammate Aaron Judge.

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