Tampa Bay Rays’ young slugger Junior Caminero is the latest to confirm his participation in the upcoming 2025 Home Run Derby. MLB announced this news, indicating that only two spots remain in the eight-player Derby field.
Caminero just turned 22 days ago and leads all major-league third basemen with 21 home runs this season. He has a slash line of .252/.294/.496 in his second MLB season and isn’t far removed from a 2023 campaign where he hit 31 homers in 117 games across two minor-league levels.
With a maximum exit velocity of 116.5 mph, he ranks in the 97th percentile among big-league hitters. His bat speed is among the best, with an average barrel speed of 78.0 mph, second only to his fellow Derby participant Oneil Cruz.
Incoming Cruz missiles
Pittsburgh Pirates slugger Oneil Cruz will showcase his powerful hitting as well, announced MLB on Tuesday. Cruz, 26, famously recorded the hardest hit ball of the Statcast era at 122.9 mph, which cleared the right-field bleachers at PNC Park earlier this season.
With Cruz’s current stats including a batting line of .203/.315/.402 along with 15 home runs and a league-leading 28 stolen bases, he remains a formidable contender.
Buxton going home for Derby
Byron Buxton, a Georgia native and star for the Minnesota Twins, has also confirmed his participation in the Derby, as announced on Monday. Despite injuries, Buxton has had an impressive season with a batting line of .270/.334/.544, hitting 20 home runs and stealing 16 bases.
Wood to bring lumber
Emerging superstar James Wood of the Washington Nationals joins the Derby lineup. Wood is aiming to make a mark in his second year, having already accumulated 22 home runs, hitting .283/.387/.547 this season.
HR leader Raleigh is in
Current home run leader Cal Raleigh, catcher for the Seattle Mariners, is excited to represent his team at the Derby, having already hit 32 home runs this season. Raleigh noted the significance of participating at Truist Park, a venue with fond childhood memories.
Acuña Jr. feeling right at home
Finally, Ronald Acuña Jr., outfielder for the Braves, was the first player to declare for the Derby. Known for his previous Derby participation, Acuña is celebrated by hometown fans for his explosive play this season.
