All-Star Festivities Kick-Off with Home Run Derby

Cal Raleigh

The top betting pick entering the Home Run Derby tonight is Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners at +300. Raleigh leads MLB with 38 home runs before the break, a historic pace for a catcher and switch-hitter, having reached 30 round-trippers faster than any player since Barry Bonds. Adding a personal touch, Raleigh has asked his father, Todd, to pitch to him during the Derby. While some analysts caution against automatically backing the favorite, Raleigh’s mix of contact and fly-ball power makes him the man to beat. Tonight, he’ll be looking to bring home a milestone for Mariners fans and create another memorable chapter in his breakout season.

Oneil Cruz’s First Home Run Derby

The Pittsburgh Pirates’ slugger arrives with the second-best odds and perhaps the most awe-inspiring raw power. Cruz has shattered Statcast records with the hardest-hit ball in MLB history, clocked at a staggering 122.9 mph. Standing 6-foot-7 with lightning-quick bat speed, Cruz carries tremendous upside in a contest defined by brute force, albeit with contact uncertainty. His performance could be a showcase of talent reaching its ceiling under the bright lights of the Derby.

James Wood

James Wood of the Washington Nationals represents the future of the sport. A top prospect called up in 2024, Wood has since blossomed into an All-Star, launching 24 home runs this season. Known for his composed swing and mature approach at just 22 years old, Wood combines power with consistency. While not the favorite, his trajectory and discipline at the plate give him a strong case to surprise and advance further than most would expect.

Junior Caminero

Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays rounds out the youthful contingent. Also, 22, Caminero earned his first All-Star selection as an injury replacement and has belted 23 bombs thus far. Caminero’s impressive bat speed and strength place him in a position to become the youngest winner in Derby history, a record set by Juan Gonzalez in 1993 at 23 years old. A strong first round could launch him into rarefied company.

Byron Buxton

The Minnesota Twins outfielder is a bit of a wildcard. He has the talent and power to compete, but his history of injuries has some doubting his ability to last past the first round. His path to victory is steep and could prove to be too much for the veteran slugger. His experience, however, could be the key to outlasting the younger competition.

Brent Rooker

Brent Rooker of the Athletics quietly worked his way into the Derby field with 20 home runs and his second All-Star appearance. Rooker will carry the hopes of an underdog run, echoing the last A’s Derby appearance by Matt Olson in 2021. His power in all parts of the field gives him a chance to prolong his stay past the opening round.

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Jazz Chisholm Jr.

Jazz Chisholm Jr. of the New York Yankees brings his trademark flair and excitement to the Derby. Though it’s his first time in the event, he has dazzled in international contests in the Bahamas. With 17 home runs this season and a long 442-foot blast as proof of his capability, Chisholm channels high-energy passion that could fuel an unexpected charge through the bracket.

Matt Olson Returns to the Derby

Matt Olson of the Atlanta Braves slots in as the late replacement for Ronald Acuña Jr., set to perform before his home crowd. In his 2021 Derby appearance, Olson launched 23 homers in round one but didn’t reach the semis; he remains a threat thanks to his reputation as one of baseball’s premier power hitters. Playing in front of Braves fans adds a motivational edge.

Format and stakes

Instructions tonight follow the revamped three-round format: in round one, each player gets three minutes or 40 pitches to go deep; the top four advance. Semifinals and finals feature two minutes or 27 swings, with swing-offs settling ties. No longer is simply aiming for volume enough; tempo and patience will likely be the key factors in determining who makes it through successive rounds. The money line currently favors Raleigh, but experts caution that longshots like Olson or Chisholm could sneak into a victory.

Home Run Derby Broadcast Info

Tonight’s Derby begins at 8:00 p.m. ET on ESPN, with simulcasts on ESPN.com, MLB.com, and the MLB app. This year’s Home Run Derby will showcase baseball’s diverse landscape of talent through a balance of established stars, next-gen prospects, and dynamic personalities. Whether it ends in expected domination or surprise stardom, the night is poised to deliver exactly what fans have come to expect from the midsummer classic.