Rising star James Wood of the Washington Nationals will compete in the 2025 Home Run Derby, Major League Baseball announced on Thursday. This marks a significant milestone as Wood recently celebrated his one-year anniversary in the league, making his debut on July 1, 2024. In just 165 games, Wood, standing at 6-foot-7, has made a notable impact with a batting line of .283/.387/.547 and 22 home runs—12 of which are classified as “no doubters” according to Baseball Savant.
Interestingly, Wood has hit one home run at Truist Park in Atlanta, the venue for this year’s Derby, which was an opposite-field hit made earlier this season.
Joining Wood in the Derby will be Cal Raleigh, the home run leader from the Seattle Mariners and the first catcher to reach 30 home runs before the All-Star Break this season. Raleigh’s impressive performance includes 32 home runs to date, and he is on track to break the single-season home run record for catchers. He expressed his excitement for the event, especially since he has fond memories of playing baseball in Atlanta as a child.
Ronald Acuña Jr., the Atlanta Braves outfielder and a four-time All-Star, announced his participation in the Derby as well. Acuña, who has previously competed in the event in 2019 and 2022, has excelled since returning from injury, boasting a remarkable batting average of .385 with nine home runs in just 29 games this season.
With three participants confirmed, anticipation for the Derby continues to grow, showcasing emerging talents and established stars in what promises to be an exciting event. The mix of young talent like Wood and seasoned players like Acuña and Raleigh highlights the diversity and competitive spirit in baseball today, making for a thrilling Home Run Derby this summer.