The stage is set for the 2025 MLB Home Run Derby in Atlanta, Georgia, in Truist Park.
The derby will feature three rounds, including an elimination bracket format in the semi-finals, just like last year. Teoscar Hernandez walked it off in 2024, but he won’t be participating in 2025.
The contestants include Cal Raleigh, James Wood, Byron Buxton, Oneil Cruz, Junior Caminero, Brent Rooker, Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Atlanta’s very own, Matt Olson. Ronald Acuna was replaced by Olson.
Can Olson send the home crowd home happy? Let’s discuss the best MLB Home Run Derby picks and bets for Monday’s event.
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Monday’s Best MLB Home Run Derby Picks & Bets
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Oneil Cruz (+330)
Oneil Cruz only has 16 home runs on the season for the Pittsburgh Pirates. He’s also hit a .733 OPS and a .212 average. That’s nothing to write home about.
However, age is a factor. The young guns are destroying in the Home Run Derby. Before Teoscar Hernandez, the last seven winners were all 26 years old or younger.
Cruz also has the hardest hit ball of the 2025 season and a 463-foot bomb in Angel Stadium that went to straight away center field. He’ll likely hit long enough balls to earn bonus time, which will give him extra chances at more home runs in each round.
Cruz has a quick bat and the stamina to go all the way in this one.
James Wood (+400)
James Wood is one of the best power sluggers in 2025. He’s not getting the recognition because he’s on the Washington Nationals. However, he’s hit 24 home runs and knocked in 69 RBI heading into the All-Star break.
The 22-year-old had a max exit velocity that went nearly 118 miles per hour (MPH), and he’s already hit a baseball 451 feet in the MLB this season.
Using Statcast metrics, Wood is in the 96th percentile in bat speed, 97th percentile in average exit velocity and the 97th percentile in barrel rate. That should all translate into a great MLB Home Run Derby tonight.
That said, his launch angle is lower than every other competitor. If he hits too many line drives and doesn’t get the ball up over the wall, he’ll struggle to win. That’s why I’d rather back Cruz at +330 than Wood at +400.
Junior Caminero (+950)
If you’re looking for a deep sleeper, consider Junior Caminero. Caminero already has 23 home runs. He’s also 22 years old and should have the stamina to compete for the long haul.
Caminero is only behind Cruz when it comes to bat speed and is in the top 15 in the Majors in exit velocity. In addition, we’ve seen Caminero hit home runs all over the field. He’s got enough power to get the ball over the fence in any direction.
Like Wood, Camerino doesn’t have a high launch angle. Over the past 30 days, Caminero has hit close to 47% of ground balls with only 16% of line drives. It’s why he’s a +950 longshot. Overall, I love the fact he’s young and can hit missiles. If you’re looking for a longshot, take a chance with Caminero. Our own Joe Pisapia agrees:
