The 2025 Home Run Derby Could Get Interesting

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With Ronald Acuna Jr. committing to the Home Run Derby in Atlanta, the rest of the participants will be announced sporadically throughout the next couple of weeks. These seven players could make this event a must-watch.

New York Mets 1B Pete Alonso –

Pete has been in the Home Run Derby every year of his career, winning the event twice in 2019 and 2021. He has yet to make it into the final round since he won in 2021, and this could be the year he rebounds. Alonso is also having his best year to date, posting a .286/.380/.543 slashline with 18 homeruns through 81 games.

Kansas City Royals 1B Jac Caglianone –

Caglianone has struggled throughout his first tenure in the big leagues, posting a -0.4 WAR through 75 PA. Regardless of his stats in the short sample size in the big leagues, the power potential with Caglianone is through the roof. The University of Florida product hit 75 collegiate home runs in 165 games. The 6’5 lefthanded slugger would bring attention to Truist Park.

Los Angeles Dodgers DH/P Shohei Ohtani –

MLB is always looking for ways to increase viewership, and what better way to gain the attention of the whole league and the entire country of Japan than by Ohtani competing in the derby. Last season, Ohtani declined the invitation to participate, stating that he was focused on rehabbing his elbow injury. He has now made his return to the mound, making this the perfect time for the phenom to return to the derby.

Seattle Mariners C Cal Raleigh –

Raleigh currently leads all of MLB in home runs with 32. It is the home run derby after all, so the home run leader needs to participate. Raleigh would be the only switch-hitter in the event, so seeing which side and when he uses each would be a storyline to follow.

Athletics 1B Nick Kurtz –

Kurtz would be the second rookie to enter this contest, joining Caglianone. Both rookie sluggers were drafted less than one year ago in the first round of the 2024 MLB draft. Kurtz has had more MLB success this season, posting 11 homers in 42 games, along with his major power, which showed in college, with 61 longballs. Seeing two rookies battle it out vs veteran stars would be a glimpse at the future.

Washington Nationals OF James Wood –

Wood has put the league on notice this season with 22 longballs and an OPS of .926. The 6’7 22 year 22-year-old outfielder would compete with the best. Seeing Wood go opposite field in the derby, which he does so often, would be a beautiful sight.

Chicago Cubs OF Pete Crow-Armstrong –

PCA has broken out hugely, surprising many with his 21 homers and .868 OPS. A player with the amount of flair and aura that Crow-Armstrong has, there is no doubt that he would love to take the biggest stage. Being the smallest player on this list at 6’0, he could become a sneaky favorite to surprise people and pull off an upset.

About Post Author

Michael Bodzenta

Growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, I fell in love with sports from a young age. Whether I was playing them throughout high school or in the yard with my friends, I knew I had found something I loved. Watching them was also a main part of my childhood, as I could name almost every player on all three Cleveland sports teams. Talking about sports is something I can do for hours, so as I got older, I quickly realized that I knew what I wanted to do. I started writing about sports and talking about sports in high school. It was fun and easy for me. My dream goal would be to become baseball analyst, covering breaking news and other stories in the sport. I've written numerous articles about sports including the Browns and the Guardians. I currently write for Kent Wired, where I expanded my knowledge to cover Health and Fitness. I have experience with Adobe Photoshop, Premier, and Audition. I work as the social media manager/representative for the Kent State Club Baseball team creating graphics mostly on Instagram and some on Twitter (X) . The goal of this is to get more engagement for the team, create awareness, and raise money. I also currently coach for a 17u travel baseball organization (Midwest Stars) out of Hudson, Ohio. Through this I have been able to continue my love for the game, give back to the community, and strengthen my leadership qualities. My passion for sports especially baseball remains unquestioned and I strive to continue to report on something I love.

mbodzent@kent.edu

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