The Home Run Derby is set to be a highlight of MLB All-Star Weekend in Atlanta, and the spots are starting to fill up.
The first two derby participants were announced more than two weeks before the July 14 contest, and more will be announced as the All-Star rosters take shape.
Some stars, meanwhile, have already said they are not participating. Aaron Judge has long held that he will only participate again if the derby is held in New York, while Shohei Ohtani remains hesitant to jump back in after participating in 2021.
Still, some of baseball’s biggest bats are taking advantage of the chance to flash their power on one of MLB’s grandest stages.
Here are the latest rumors and confirmed participants for the 2025 Home Run Derby.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Home Run Derby 2025 participants updates & rumors
- Ronald Acuna Jr., OF, Braves
- Cal Raleigh, C, Mariners
- James Wood, OF, Nationals
Follow along for the latest Home Run Derby announcements and rumors below.
July 6
Two popular National League sluggers announced they would not join the Home Run Derby festivities. Neither Mets first baseman Pete Alonso, nor Phillies DH Kyle Schwarber will be participating.
News: Pete Alonso will NOT participate in the Home Run Derby.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) July 6, 2025
Kyle Schwarber IS an All-Star, but told @TimKellySports that he doesn’t plan to do the HR Derby.
“Maybe see what happens next year.”
Next year’s All-Star Game is in Philly. pic.twitter.com/i6UHGGHoWD
— On Pattison (@OnPattison) July 6, 2025
With the All-Star game in Philadelphia next year, Schwarber left the door open for him to participate in 2026.
July 3
Nationals outfielder James Wood announced he is the third player to join the Home Run Derby.
James Wood announced on Instagram that he’ll be participating in the Home Run Derby.
— Spencer Nusbaum (@spencernusbaum_) July 3, 2025
Wood was not voted to be an All-Star starter for the National League, but he will definitely make the team after a fantastic first half. The outfielder has hit 22 home runs with 65 RBIs and sports a .934 OPS with 10 games to go before the Midsummer Classic. Wood has broken out in a big way during his second season in the big leagues after being called up last July.
This will be Wood’s first Home Run Derby appearance, and he’s looking to become the third Nationals player to win the event (Bryce Harper in 2018, Juan Soto in 2022).
June 29
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani is not planning to participate in the Home Run Derby.
“With the current rules in place, I don’t think it’s feasible for me to compete well,” Ohtani told reporters through an interpreter.
Ohtani’s only Home Run Derby appearance came in 2021 when he enjoyed a breakthrough season at the plate for the Angels. He considered participating in 2024 but ultimately declined as he continued to recover from major elbow surgery.
June 28
Reds star Elly De La Cruz said he will not participate in the Home Run Derby, telling the Cincinnati Enquirer, “The time is going to come, but not now.”
De La Cruz has heated up over the last month and has the kind of power that might play well in a Home Run Derby, but he should still be in Atlanta as an All-Star even at a crowded shortstop position
Dodgers OF and reigning champion Teoscar Hernandez will also sit out, citing a groin injury that resulted in a brief IL stint earlier this season. “With the injury that I had earlier this year, I don’t want to risk anything,” Hernandez told reporters “So I’m going to stay put and not participate.”
June 27
Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh announced he will be the second to join the Home Run Derby.
🚨BIG DUMPER IN THE DERBY🚨
MLB home run leader Cal Raleigh announced on Instagram he’ll be in Atlanta for the @TMobile #HRDerby! pic.twitter.com/qqWjbHUj4h
— MLB (@MLB) June 27, 2025
An All-Star lock, Raleigh is MLB’s home run leader with 33 and is on pace to have one of the greatest all-around seasons by a catcher in baseball history. Never regarded as an elite prospect on his journey to the majors, Raleigh stuck around in the big leagues with defense and power, and the rest has all come together for the 28-year-old backstop over time.
This will be Raleigh’s first Home Run Derby appearance, and he’s looking to become the first Mariner to win the derby since Ken Griffey Jr. went back-to-back in 1998 and 1999.
MORE: Cal Raleigh makes more history with 33rd home run
June 25
Braves OF Ronald Acuna Jr. will participate in the Home Run Derby for the third time, doing so in front of his home fans at Truist Park.
JUST IN: Ronald Acuña Jr. announces he is the first @TMobile #HRDerby participant! pic.twitter.com/AcYEZ3a3Vm
— MLB (@MLB) June 25, 2025
Acuna just returned in late May from the second ACL tear of his career, but he’s hit the ground running at the plate, batting over .360 with nine home runs and a 1.110 OPS through his first 34 games. With the injury more than a year in the past, Acuna will try to put on a show in front of a pro-Braves crowd.
Acuna previously lost in the first round of the 2019 Home Run Derby and semifinals of the 2022 Home Run Derby.
