Pittsburgh Pirates slugger Oneil Cruz captivated fans Monday night during the 2025 MLB Home Run Derby held at Truist Field in Atlanta, showcasing his exceptional power at baseball’s premier power-hitting event. As a key participant in the derby, Cruz combined skill and raw strength to electrify the crowd and reaffirm his status as one of baseball’s premier hitters.
Cruz and Caminero Battle for Derby Lead with Impressive Long Balls
Batting fourth among eight competitors, Cruz delivered an outstanding performance in the first round, blasting 21 home runs to tie Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays for the top spot. Among his towering swings, Cruz launched the longest homer of the night at an astonishing 513 feet, a feat that highlighted his remarkable power.
Record-Breaking Distance Surpasses Previous Career High
This mammoth 513-foot blast surpassed Cruz’s previous longest home run, which was 472 feet, hit on July 27, 2024, against Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon Pfaadt at Chase Field. Paul Skenes, a National League All-Star and Cruz’s teammate, had recently expressed confidence that Cruz would exceed his own record and deliver at least one homer over 500 feet during the derby — a prediction Cruz fulfilled on his eighth home run.
Continuing Pirates Legacy in the Home Run Derby
Cruz is the first member of the Pittsburgh Pirates to compete in the Home Run Derby since Josh Bell’s appearance in 2019. Past Pirates representatives in the event include notable players such as Pedro Álvarez (2013), Andrew McCutchen (2012), Jason Bay (2005), Barry Bonds (1992), and Bobby Bonilla (1990). Although no Pirates player has ever captured the derby title, Cruz aims to rewrite that history with his powerful display this year.
Setting the Stage for a New Chapter in Pirates Power Hitting
Oneil Cruz’s electrifying performance in Atlanta has not only energized Pirates fans but also positioned him as a leading contender to win the Home Run Derby for the franchise. His record-setting hits this season, combined with the derby fireworks, suggest that Cruz could mark a turning point in both his career and the Pirates’ competitive legacy in power hitting events.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What surgery did Oneil Cruz have?
A. Greg Altman and Dr. Darren Frank treated Cruz’s broken left fibula and fixed a nearby joint injury supported by ligaments. Manager Derek Shelton was somewhat relieved that the injury affected only the ankle area and didn’t involve other parts of Cruz’s left leg.
Q. What was Oneil Cruz’s injury?
A. Cruz is going to the injured list because he broke his right foot. This season, Oneil Cruz hasn’t played much, and now he’s officially injured. The 91st top prospect on MLB.com will stop playing after the injury happened with Class A Advanced Bradenton on Saturday night.