The Home Run Derby is all set, and there’s a buzz around it. New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. is the last player to join this year’s lineup of eight contestants. The event will happen at Atlanta’s Truist Park on Monday.
Let’s take a look at the players:
Seattle Mariners’ Cal Raleigh leads the MLB with 36 home runs this season. He’s on track to break the record for home runs by a catcher, currently held by Salvador Perez at 48. Raleigh has a real shot at hitting 50, a first for catchers in major league history.
Then there’s José Ramírez, Oneil Cruz, and Byron Buxton, each with over 20 home runs this season. Rooker’s just a step behind, with 19. Chisholm has 17, even after missing a month due to injury, while Ronald Acuña Jr. returned from an ACL tear with 11 home runs since late May.
Cruz is particularly impressive. His power is remarkable, with a home run hit at an incredible 122.9 MPH, which is the hardest ball recorded since Statcast began tracking data. Five of his home runs have registered some of the top exit velocities this season.
Acuña will take the field at his home park for the third time in the Derby, while all other contestants will be making their debut. Teoscar Hernández, the winner from last year, opted out this time to avoid straining his legs after a recent injury.
Buxton, a Georgia local, will be playing in front of a home crowd. Meanwhile, Raleigh, Caminero, and Acuña are all set to start in the following night’s All-Star Game, while Wood, Rooker, Chisholm, and Buxton will join as reserves.
With home run records in play, fans are excited and social media is buzzing with expectations. This year’s Derby isn’t just a showcase of talent—it’s shaping up to be a historic event.
For fans eager to catch every moment, you can stay updated via MLB’s official site.



















