The 2025 MLB Home Run Derby is set for Monday evening at the Home Run Derby 2025 Field, featuring some of the biggest names in baseball. Matt Olson from Atlanta is expected to be a crowd favorite, while Seattle’s Cal Laurie is the betting favorite. The young talents James Wood and Junior Kaminero, both 22 years old, are eager to make a strong impression before their debut All-Star Game the following night. Out of the eight competitors, seven are making their derby debut, with Ronald Acuna Jr. attending for his third time.
The derby starts at 8 pm, with each player getting 40 pitches in the first round. The top four then advance to the semifinals, seeded based on their initial performance, leading to a final round where the two remaining players get 27 pitches each. Cal Raleigh leads the betting odds at +295, followed by Oneil Cruz at +320 and James Wood at +475. Matt Olson, who stepped in for Acuna, is fourth favorite at +800. The over/under for total home runs in the derby is set at 239.5. Sports betting expert Severance, who has an impressive track record since 2005 with significant profits on MLB picks, is weighing in on the derby.
Despite Laurie’s strong home run record with 36 homers, he is not among the favorites for this derby. Laurie’s ability to hit from both sides of the plate adds a unique dynamic, though some experts find it somewhat complex for the derby format. Raleigh, originally from North Carolina near Atlanta, is relatively new to the Trust Park venue, having the second fewest games played there among participants. This unfamiliarity might be a slight disadvantage, but his chances shouldn’t be overlooked given his odds.
An important challenge for Raleigh is that despite his long career, he has yet to win a Home Run Derby, and the event demands great stamina as players might take over 100 swings if they reach the finals. Additionally, Raleigh’s batting average fell sharply in July after strong performances in May and June, likely due to the physical toll of catching duties.
Severance has done in-depth analysis of the derby field and is confident in his top pick, highlighting a player with potentially the most power. For his expert predictions and betting insights, interested fans should check out SportsLine.
Here are the 2025 MLB Home Run Derby odds and participants:
– Cal Raleigh +295
– Oneil Cruz +320
– James Wood +475
– Matt Olson +800
– Brent Luker +850
– Byron Buxton +950
– Jazz Chisholm +1150
– Junior Kaminero +1200
Fan Take: This Home Run Derby is more than just a spectacle; it highlights emerging young talent while featuring seasoned players, underscoring baseball’s evolving landscape. Fans should watch closely as this event could showcase the next generation of power hitters who might shape MLB’s future.
