The 2025 Home Run Derby field experienced a significant update on Saturday when Matt Olson was named as the replacement for Ronald Acuña Jr., who is unable to participate due to injury concerns. Olson, representing the host Atlanta Braves, will join an already competitive roster gathered for the event at Truist Park. Acuña remains a starting outfielder for the National League in the upcoming All-Star Game despite recovering from ACL surgery and recent back tightness.

Olson, 31, stands out among Major League Baseball’s premier power hitters. Through 92 games this season, he holds a .481 slugging percentage with 17 home runs and is fresh off leading the majors with 54 home runs in 2023. His ability to generate power is underscored by analytics showing him in the 97th percentile for average exit velocity and 96th percentile for hard-hit balls among big-league hitters in 2025. The Home Run Derby will bring these strengths to the forefront as Olson competes on his home turf.

The Derby is scheduled for Monday, July 14, at 7 p.m. ET at Truist Park, the Braves’ home stadium. Last year’s champion, Teoscar Hernández of the Los Angeles Dodgers, will not be defending his title, ensuring the crowning of a new winner this year. Alongside Olson, seven other sluggers represent a varied and formidable collection of power hitters and rising stars announced in the lead-up to the event.

Jazz Chisholm Jr. brings dynamic power to the Derby

New York Yankees infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr., confirmed as the eighth contestant, brings an electrifying presence to the Derby. At 27 years old and in his first full season with the Yankees, Chisholm has impressed with a .251/.346/.530 slash line and 17 home runs across 61 games. His advanced batted ball metrics position him near the top of <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/baseball/mlb/”>MLB, ranking in the 96th percentile for expected slugging percentage and the 98th percentile for barrel rate, indicating exceptional power potential based on launch angle and exit velocity.

Brent Rooker’s consistent power secures him a spot

Athletics slugger Brent Rooker claimed the seventh entrance into the Derby, highlighting his sustained power-hitting ability. The 30-year-old has posted a .270/.346/.489 line with 19 home runs in 94 games this season. Maintaining momentum from two previous seasons with over 30 home runs each, Rooker is on pace to secure his third straight 30-homer year. Statistically, he ranks in the 79th percentile for average exit velocity and 75th percentile for hard-hit rate, including a top exit velocity of 112.4 mph.

Young star Junior Caminero joins the competition

Tampa Bay Rays’ third baseman Junior Caminero, only recently turned 22, was named to the Derby field as the sixth confirmed participant. Caminero’s 21 home runs lead all MLB players at his position, and his .252/.294/.496 batting line reflects his growing offensive prowess in just his second major-league season. Beyond the raw numbers, his max exit velocity of 116.5 mph places him in the 97th percentile, and his average barrel speed of 78.0 mph is second only to Oneil Cruz, another Derby entrant.

Oneil Cruz’s unmatched power to test the field

Pittsburgh Pirates slugger Oneil Cruz, celebrated for his extraordinary raw power, is confirmed for the Derby as well. The 26-year-old made history during the 2025 season with the hardest hit ball recorded in the Statcast era—a 122.9 mph home run that cleared right-field bleachers at PNC Park and landed in the Allegheny River. He also owns the second-hardest hit ball, a 122.4 mph single from 2022. This season, Cruz has compiled a .203/.315/.402 slash with 15 home runs and leads the league with 28 stolen bases, showcasing a rare combination of speed and power.

Byron Buxton’s hometown advantage at Truist Park

Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton, a Georgia native, will compete in the Home Run Derby hosted at Truist Park, adding an emotional layer to his participation. At age 31, Buxton combines excitement and experience despite his injury challenges. In 73 games this season, he is hitting .270/.334/.544 with 20 home runs and 16 stolen bases. Baseball Savant classifies 15 of his home runs as “no doubters,” underscoring their unquestionable power. According to Baseball Reference, Buxton’s overall contributions translate to over 3 estimated Wins Above Replacement, affirming his impact on the field.

James Wood’s rapid rise places him in elite company

James Wood, the Washington Nationals’ breakthrough star, joins the Derby lineup after just one year in the majors. The 22-year-old left-handed hitter has amassed a .283/.387/.547 slash line with 22 home runs in 322 at-bats during the season. His power numbers are impressive, with 12 of those home runs designated as “no doubters” by Baseball Savant. His towering 6-foot-7 frame enhances his presence, and Wood will have a chance to shine at Truist Park, where he has already hit an opposite-field home run this season despite limited appearances.

Cal Raleigh aims to extend his home run dominance

Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh will take his swings at the Derby after leading MLB in home runs with 32 this season. Raleigh expressed enthusiasm about representing his team, saying,

“I’m excited to represent the Mariners and our fanbase at the [Home Run] Derby,”

and added,

“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

At 28, Raleigh has shattered milestones, becoming the first catcher and first switch-hitter to hit 30 home runs before the All-Star Break. He is closing in on his single-season career best of 34 homers and is on track to break the record for most home runs hit by a catcher in a season—a mark currently held by Salvador Perez with 48 home runs in 2021.

Ronald Acuña Jr.’s presence felt despite absence

Although Ronald Acuña Jr. cannot compete in the Derby, his 2025 season remains remarkable. Since returning from knee surgery that ended his 2024 season early, Acuña has hit .385/.496/.692 with nine home runs and 16 RBIs over 29 games. His exceptional performance reflects a 227 OPS+ and an estimated 2 Wins Above Replacement, showcasing his value to the Braves.

While Acuña ranks behind teammates Matt Olson, Austin Riley, and Marcell Ozuna in home runs this season, his reputation as the team’s brightest star is unchallenged. His honors include a Most Valuable Player Award, four All-Star selections, a Rookie of the Year Award, and three Silver Slugger trophies, making him a natural fan favorite and symbolic representative of Atlanta baseball at the All-Star Game.

With Matt Olson stepping in, the 2025 Home Run Derby has assembled a talented and eager group of competitors, poised to battle fiercely on July 14. The event promises intense action and excitement, pushing each slugger to claim the coveted title on their own terms.