### Home Run Derby 2025: Oneil Cruz Joins a Star-Studded Lineup The anticipation for the 2025 Home Run Derby is building as Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Oneil Cruz has confirmed his participation in the event, set to take place on July 14 at Truist Park in Atlanta. Cruz, known for his exceptional power hitting, is the latest addition to a competitive field that includes notable players like Ronald Acuña Jr., Byron Buxton, Cal Raleigh, and James Wood. This marks a significant moment for the Pirates, as Cruz will be the first player from the team to compete in the Derby since Josh Bell in 2019, and only the seventh in franchise history [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/2025_home_run_derby_participants_pirates_oneil_cruz_joins_group/s1_17075_42433090]. ### Structure of the Home Run Derby Overview 1. **Cruz's Participation and Background** - Oneil Cruz's announcement to join the Derby highlights his powerful hitting capabilities, including leading the majors in average exit velocity at 96.1 mph [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/pirates_ball_crusher_oneil_cruz_accepts_hr_derby_invite/s1_17044_42429969]. - He has 16 home runs this season and is on track for a potential 30-30 season, joining an elite group in Pirates history [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/2025_home_run_derby_participants_pirates_oneil_cruz_joins_group/s1_17075_42433090]. 2. **The Competitors** - The current lineup includes: - Ronald Acuña Jr. (Atlanta Braves) - Byron Buxton (Minnesota Twins) - Cal Raleigh (Seattle Mariners) - James Wood (Washington Nationals) - This diverse group of power hitters promises an exciting competition [https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/2025-mlb-home-run-derby-pirates-oneil-cruz-joins-byron-buxton-james-wood-cal-raleigh-ronald-acuna-jr]. 3. **Historical Context** - Cruz's participation is significant as no Pirates player has advanced past the first round in previous Derbies, making this a pivotal moment for the franchise [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/2025_home_run_derby_participants_pirates_oneil_cruz_joins_group/s1_17075_42433090]. - The last Pirates player to compete was Josh Bell in 2019, and Cruz aims to change the narrative for the team [https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/news/pittsburgh-pirates-mlb-home-run-derby-history]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Cruz's Performance Metrics:** - **Home Runs This Season:** 16 - **Average Exit Velocity:** 96.1 mph (leading the majors) - **Stolen Bases:** 28 (potential for a 30-30 season) - **Career Home Runs:** 55 in 324 games [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/pirates_ball_crusher_oneil_cruz_accepts_hr_derby_invite/s1_17044_42429969]. - **Competitors' Overview:** - **Ronald Acuña Jr.:** Star outfielder for the Braves. - **Byron Buxton:** First-time Derby participant and All-Star. - **Cal Raleigh:** Current home run leader in the majors. - **James Wood:** Emerging talent from the Nationals [https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/2025-mlb-home-run-derby-pirates-oneil-cruz-joins-byron-buxton-james-wood-cal-raleigh-ronald-acuna-jr]. ### Conclusion: A Promising Showdown Awaits **The 2025 Home Run Derby is shaping up to be an electrifying event, with Oneil Cruz leading the charge for the Pittsburgh Pirates.** 1. **Cruz's powerful hitting and unique style make him a must-watch competitor.** 2. **The lineup features a mix of established stars and rising talents, promising a thrilling contest.** 3. **Cruz's participation not only represents a personal milestone but also a chance to elevate the Pirates' legacy in the Derby.** Fans are eagerly awaiting the spectacle on July 14, where Cruz will aim to make history for himself and his team [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/pirates_ball_crusher_oneil_cruz_accepts_hr_derby_invite/s1_17044_42429969].