With less than a month until the 2025 Home Run Derby at Truist Park, fans wonder who will hoist the trophy this year. Will Teoscar Hernandez run it back? Will Pete Alonso earn his third title, or will a newcomer like Cal Raleigh be crowned victor? Here is a breakdown of five potential sluggers who could steal the show for this year’s Derby:
Participating in the Home Run Derby is nothing new for Schwarber. If selected, this would mark his third appearance. He was chosen in 2018, where he advanced to the finals but lost a nail-biter to Bryce Harper. He also participated in 2022, where he was eliminated by Albert Pujols in the first round.
Currently in his 11th Major League season, he is on track to break his career high of 47 home runs. With a batting average of .247, an on-base percentage of .378, and a slugging percentage of .535, his statistics may not be impressive enough to surpass Shohei Ohtani in fan voting. If he receives the All-Star reserve bid as a designated hitter, he could shake things up in the Derby, seeking revenge for 2022.
In 2024, Witt Jr. had an outstanding year. He finished second in MVP voting, earned a Gold Glove award, won a Silver Slugger award, and made his first All-Star and Home Run Derby appearance. In his first Derby, he hit a total of 50 home runs: 20 in the first round, 17 in the semi-finals, and 13 in the finals, finishing just one short of Teoscar Hernández.
This year, the shortstop isn’t replicating his statistics from his near-MVP season, but he still boasts a .282 batting average, a .339 on-base percentage, and a .484 slugging percentage, along with 10 home runs. While these statistics may not be MVP-worthy like those of Aaron Judge or Ohtani, they should be sufficient for him to earn his second All-Star selection. As one of the league’s most competitive and clutch players, he will be a top contender if he competes in the Derby again.
The 2024 Home Run Derby Champion is off to a solid start in 2025. In 64 games, he has hit 14 home runs and recorded a batting average of .266, along with a slugging percentage of .500. He is in second place in All-Star voting for outfielders in the National League, effectively securing his spot for the 2025 All-Star Game.
Having previously been seen as an underdog in the Derby and ultimately winning it all gives him a chip on his shoulder as he approaches this year’s competition. While he may not have as many home runs as other All-Stars on this list, he possesses the ability to elevate his performance in critical moments, making him a contender who should not be underestimated.
This three-time MVP hasn’t participated in the Home Run Derby since 2021, when Juan Soto eliminated him in the first round during a swing-off. After making the All-Star team for four consecutive years, he currently leads all fan voting for the designated hitter position in the NL.
Ohtani’s bid for the All-Star game is guaranteed as long as he stays healthy, which raises the question of whether he will choose to participate in the Derby. Being third in the league in home runs with 27, it’s undeniable that he has the power to be there. He has been an All-Star every year since 2021 but has only taken part in the Derby once. This doesn’t give much hope for his participation in 2025, but if he decides to compete in Atlanta, his incredible power at the plate makes him a front-runner to win.
The Polar Bear is enjoying one of the best seasons of his career. He currently has a batting average of .286 and an on-base percentage of .379, both of which are career highs. He has hit 18 home runs, tying him for 12th place in the league, and he leads the league with 22 doubles. Alonso is in second place in fan voting for the NL first baseman and aims to compete in his fourth consecutive All-Star Game.
If selected for the ASG, Alonso is guaranteed to compete in the Derby. After losing his last two appearances, he is eager to achieve his third Derby title, having won in 2019 and 2021. His performance in the past two Derbies was lackluster, but he is having an incredible 2025 season that indicates he is ready to join Ken Griffey Jr. as the only player to win three Home Run Derbies.
In his fifth Major League season, Raleigh has put up impressive statistics, leading the league with 32 home runs and 69 runs batted in. The catcher is also boasting a .281 batting average, a .386 on-base percentage, and a .667 slugging percentage. He’s on pace to hit over 60 home runs, joining the ranks of elite players like Aaron Judge, Mark McGwire, and Sammy Sosa. If he participates in the Home Run Derby, he would pose a challenge for any slugger in the league.
As the leading catcher in fan voting for the American League, Raleigh will make his first start at the 2025 ASG. When asked about participating in the Home Run Derby on the “Pardon My Take Podcast“, he responded, “If they ask me, I think it would be pretty fun.” If he wins in his first year, he will join a select group of four other players who have won the Derby in their first appearance.
Out of this list of sluggers, there is one clear front-runner above the rest. As much as I want Alonso to win as a New York Mets fan, I don’t think this is his year for a three-peat. I have Raleigh raising the trophy at the end of the night.
Not only is he leading the league in home runs, but he has been crushing them out of the ballpark, with his longest being a 414-foot homer against the Chicago Cubs on June 22nd. After Hernández won the trophy in his debut last year, becoming the fourth player to do so, it wouldn’t be much of a shock if Raleigh repeats that feat. If Ohtani participates, he will likely pose the biggest threat, but in the end, I believe Raleigh will be crowned the victor.
If you love sports, download Stadium Rant from the Apple App Store and join one of the fastest-growing social sports communities. Be sure to follow us on socials too — you can find all our profiles on our Linktree.
