Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero (13) hits a home run against the Detroit Tigers in the fourth inning at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Nationals' James Wood, Rays' Junior Caminero Eying History at MLB Home Run Derby

Originally posted on Fastball on SI | By Sam Connon | Last updated Jul 9, 2025 5:02 PM ET

The field of competitors at the 2025 Home Run Derby isn't complete just yet, but it is already shaping up to be a historic group of sluggers.

Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero entered the fray Wednesday, joining Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr., Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Oneil Cruz, Washington Nationals outfielder James Wood and Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton. Caminero, who turned 22 years old on Saturday, narrowly beat out Wood – also 22 – as the youngest member of the group.

According to MLB.com's Sarah Langs, this will mark the second Home Run Derby ever to include multiple players under the age of 23. Acuña and Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. established the club in 2019.

The youngest winner ever is Juan Gonzalez, who earned the crown at 23 years and 265 years of age in 1993. Juan Soto was one day older when he won the Home Run Derby in 2022.

So if either Caminero or Wood win, they would be the youngest champion in Home Run Derby history.

James Wood will be 22 years & 300 days on Derby day
Junior Caminero will be 22y & 9d

This is the second Derby with 2 participants under 23, joining 2019 Vlad Jr. & Acuna

Nobody has won it before turning 23

Youngest HR Derby winners:

1993 Juan Gonzalez: 23 y, 265 d
2022 Juan…
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) July 9, 2025

There are two more spots up for grabs, so perhaps the collection of talent will break even more records next Monday in Atlanta. One thing is for sure, though – the next generation of baseball's biggest stars will be taking center stage at Truist Park.

This article first appeared on Fastball on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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