The 2025 Home Run Derby lineup is shaping up to be a showcase of elite talent as Cal Raleigh, James Wood, and Ronald Acuña Jr. have confirmed their participation at Truist Park in Atlanta, drawing excitement from fans eager to watch the current home run leader and other top stars. This year’s competition highlights rising and established names, with the focus on Cal Raleigh Home Run Derby 2025 as a central storyline for the highly anticipated event.
James Wood Joins the Home Run Derby Field
Washington Nationals’ standout James Wood marks his entrance into the Derby field as he celebrates one year in Major League Baseball since his debut on July 1, 2024. Wood, only 22 years old, has quickly established himself as a force in the league, handling 322 at-bats with a .283 average, a robust .387 on-base percentage, and 22 home runs. According to Baseball Savant, more than half of his home runs fall under the coveted “no doubters” category, highlighting his immense power.
Although Wood has hit just one home run at Truist Park so far in his career, it was a memorable opposite-field shot, demonstrating his adaptability at the Derby’s chosen venue. His participation brings the total announced competitors to three out of the eight expected, positioning him alongside some of the game’s biggest names.
Cal Raleigh Leads the League and Heads to Atlanta
Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, the current league leader in home runs, is officially heading to the 2025 Home Run Derby following Major League Baseball’s June 27 announcement. Already with 32 home runs this season, Raleigh’s status as a switch-hitter and catcher sets him apart from his peers, and he is making history in multiple categories.
“I’m excited to represent the Mariners and our fanbase at the [Home Run] Derby,”
—Cal Raleigh, Mariners Catcher
“It will be extra special for me getting to do it in Atlanta, where I spent a lot of time playing baseball as a kid.”
—Cal Raleigh, Mariners Catcher
This year, Raleigh has broken new ground by becoming the first catcher to hit 30 home runs before the All-Star Break, and also the first switch-hitter to reach that milestone in a season. With the All-Star Game still on the horizon, he sits just two homers away from matching his personal best of 34 home runs in a single season. He is also in striking distance of the record held by Royals’ Salvador Perez for most home runs by a catcher in a season, which stands at 48 set in 2021.
The race for the league’s home run crown remains tight. According to oddsmakers, Raleigh trails Yankees’ slugger Aaron Judge with odds of +130 compared to Judge’s +100. Shohei Ohtani of the Dodgers is also a contender, listed at +400, intensifying the competition as the season continues.
Ronald Acuña Jr. Returns to the Derby in Front of Home Fans
Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. was the first to announce his entry in the Derby, making the declaration shortly before taking the field against the New York Mets. A local favorite in Atlanta, Acuña shared the significance of performing for his most supportive audience.
“I’m Ronald Acuña Jr. because of them,”
—Ronald Acuña Jr., Braves Outfielder
Acuña, a four-time All-Star and former MVP, has a history with the Home Run Derby, having competed in both 2019 and 2022 but eliminated each time by Pete Alonso. His reappearance this summer follows his comeback from an ACL tear that ended his previous season. Since returning, Acuña has posted remarkable numbers, batting .385 and delivering nine home runs, 16 RBIs, and four steals in 29 games, amassing an estimated 2 Wins Above Replacement per Baseball Reference.
While Acuña shares the fourth spot for most home runs on the Braves with Sean Murphy, behind Matt Olson, Austin Riley, and Marcell Ozuna, his credentials and status make him a natural fit to represent Atlanta. Over his career, he has collected a Rookie of the Year award, an MVP title, and three Silver Slugger Awards, solidifying his reputation as one of the Braves’ brightest stars.
Anticipated Derby Impact and What’s Ahead
With James Wood, Cal Raleigh, and Ronald Acuña Jr. leading the Derby lineup at Truist Park, anticipation for the 2025 Home Run Derby continues to mount, as fans look forward to a historic showcase of power hitting. This year’s competition not only focuses on record-breaking performances but also the interplay of established stars and young talents vying for the title on a prominent stage. Observers are watching closely to see if Raleigh can set new marks as a catcher and switch-hitter, while Wood and Acuña aim to make their own history. As the full roster is finalized and the event approaches, excitement and speculation about potential outcomes remain high.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is Cal Raleigh the big dumper?
A. Raleigh got the nickname “Big Dumper” because of his large backside. His ex-teammate Jarred Kelenic began calling him this in 2020 and shared it on Twitter in 2021 when Raleigh joined the Mariners.
Raleigh’s mother does not like the nickname, saying she thinks it is “stinky,” but she is still thankful that fans cheer for her son.
Q. How much is Cal Raleigh paid?
A. The Mariners and Raleigh have agreed to a six-year contract extension worth $105 million. This new deal will start this season. It covers his next two years when the team could negotiate his salary through arbitration. It also includes the three years after that, when Raleigh could have become a free agent, according to several sources who spoke with MLB.com.
Q. Why is Cal Raleigh known as the big dumper?
A. The Belaz 75710, made in Belarus, is the largest dump truck in the world. It weighs 840.5 tons and can carry up to 450 metric tons of material. The truck’s body has enough space to hold 268 cubic meters of load. This makes it the top choice for moving large amounts of material in mining and construction.
Q. How much does Cal Raleigh earn?
A. He will receive a $10 million signing bonus once the contract is approved by the commissioner’s office.
His salary is $1 million for this year.
In 2027, he will earn $11 million, and in 2028, his pay will be $12 million.
For each of the next three years after that, his salary will be $23 million per season.