Home Run Derby: Preview, Players & How to Watch

The Ultimate Guide to the 2025 MLB Home Run Derby

Atlanta’s Truist Park Set for Epic Slugfest

The crack of the bat, the roar of the crowd, and moon-shot homers lighting up the summer sky—the 2025 MLB Home Run Derby is back! This year, Atlanta’s Truist Park hosts baseball’s most electrifying All-Star Week event on Monday, July 14. With stars like Jazz Chisholm Jr., Aaron Judge, and Juan Soto set to swing for glory, the derby promises record-breaking drama. In this guide, we break down everything you need to know: players, format, predictions, and how to watch the action live.

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1. What is the Home Run Derby? A Brief History

The derby debuted in 1985 as a centerpiece of MLB All-Star festivities. Legends like Ken Griffey Jr. (3-time champ) and Bryce Harper have defined its legacy, blending showmanship with raw power. Today, it’s a global phenomenon—part home run contest, part blockbuster spectacle.

Key Evolution:

• 1985–2014: 10-out format (outs per swing).
• 2015–Present: Timed rounds (3–4 minutes), with bonus time for 440+ ft homers.

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2. 2025 Home Run Derby: Event Details

• 📍 Location: Truist Park, Atlanta, Georgia
• 📅 Date: Monday, July 14, 2025
• ⏰ Start Time: 8:00 PM ET
• 📺 TV Channel: ESPN
• 💻 Live Stream: ESPN+, MLB.TV

Why Atlanta? Truist Park’s unique dimensions (center field: 400 ft, right field: 325 ft) reward pull hitters. Expect fireworks toward the Chop House terrace!

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3. Confirmed 2025 Participants: Stars, Dark Horses & Storylines

Eight sluggers will compete. Based on Sportsnet’s preview, here’s the lineup:

Player	Team	2025 HRs	Odds
Jazz Chisholm Jr.	Yankees	28	3-1
Aaron Judge	Yankees	35	2-1
Juan Soto	Padres	23	5-1
Ronald Acuña Jr.	Braves	22	6-1
Pete Alonso	Mets	26	4-1
Julio Rodríguez	Mariners	20	8-1
Gunnar Henderson	Orioles	27	7-1
Shohei Ohtani	Dodgers	31	3-1

🔥 Player to Watch: Jazz Chisholm Jr.
As noted by the NY Daily News, Chisholm—now a Yankee—could become the first player to win for multiple teams (2023 with Miami). His compact swing and Truist’s right-field porch make him a favorite.

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4. Format & Rules: How the Derby Works

• Round 1: 8 players, 3 minutes each. Top 4 advance.
• Round 2 (Semi-Finals): 3 minutes + :30 bonus for two 440+ ft HRs.
• Final Round: Head-to-head, 3 minutes + bonuses.
• Tiebreaker: 60-second swing-off.

Game-Changer: Hitters get one 45-second timeout per round. Pitchers (often personal coaches) must throw strikes—or risk draining the clock!

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5. Expert Predictions: Who Wins & Why?

• Favorite: Pete Alonso (3-time champ) thrives under pressure. His “rise and fire” uppercut is built for derbies.
• Dark Horse: Ronald Acuña Jr. Atlanta’s hero will feed off home crowds. His 119 mph exit velocity leads MLB.
• Wildcard: Shohei Ohtani. If he balances pitching fatigue with power, he could dominate.

Stat to Know: Alonso averages 25.6 HRs/round in derbies—highest among active players (MLB Statcast).

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6. How to Watch: TV, Streaming & International Options

Per the Sporting News:

• 🇺🇸 U.S.: ESPN (Karl Ravech, Eduardo Pérez commentary)
• 🇨🇦 Canada: Sportsnet
• 🌍 International: MLB.TV (subscription required)
• Radio: ESPN Radio

Pro Tip: Stream on ESPN+ for Statcast data overlays (exit velocity, launch angle, HR distance).

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7. 3 Key Storylines to Follow

1. Yankees Power Duo: Judge & Chisholm could force a teammate showdown in the finals.
2. Alonso’s Quest for 4: A win makes “Polar Bear” the undisputed derby GOAT.
3. Ohtani’s Endurance: Can he sustain velocity after pitching Sunday?

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8. Why the Derby Matters Beyond the Crown

Winners gain iconic status (e.g., Griffey Jr., Harper). For rising stars like Henderson, it’s a career launchpad. And let’s not forget: $1M prize money and bragging rights until 2026!

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Conclusion: Don’t Miss the Show!

The 2025 Home Run Derby blends generational talent, strategic pacing, and Atlanta’s baseball passion. Whether you’re tracking Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s Yankee legacy or Ohtani’s two-way brilliance, this is summer baseball at its finest. Tune in July 14 at 8 PM ET on ESPN—and let the moonshots begin!