### MLB Home Run Derby 2025: A Showcase of Power Hitters The MLB Home Run Derby, a highlight of the All-Star weekend, is set to take place on July 14, 2025, at Truist Park in Atlanta. This year, the event will feature some of the league's most formidable power hitters, including Ronald Acuña Jr. from the Atlanta Braves, Cal Raleigh from the Seattle Mariners, and James Wood from the Washington Nationals. The anticipation is building as fans look forward to a thrilling display of slugging prowess just one day before the All-Star Game [https://www.abc27.com/sports/sports-illustrated/25504666/full-list-of-mlb-home-run-derby-winners]. ### Structure of the Home Run Derby and Recent Highlights 1. **Event Overview** - The Home Run Derby is a fan-favorite event during MLB's All-Star weekend, showcasing the league's top power hitters. - This year's derby will occur on July 14, 2025, at Truist Park, Atlanta, the home of the Braves [https://www.abc27.com/sports/sports-illustrated/25504666/full-list-of-mlb-home-run-derby-winners]. 2. **Participants Announced** - Ronald Acuña Jr. (Braves) and Cal Raleigh (Mariners) are confirmed participants, with James Wood (Nationals) recently joining the lineup [https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/article/nationals-slugger-james-wood-joins-ronald-acu-a-20421560.php]. - Wood's participation comes after a standout performance where he achieved a career-high five hits, including his 23rd home run, in a game against the Detroit Tigers [https://www.wtop.com/washington-nationals/2025/07/wood-has-career-high-five-hits-including-23rd-hr-nationals-beat-tigers-11-7]. 3. **James Wood's Recent Performance** - Wood's impressive stats this season place him among the leaders in home runs, batting average, and OPS [https://www.aol.co.uk/nationals-james-woods-gets-1st-023945065.html]. - His recent five-hit game not only showcased his hitting ability but also solidified his status as a formidable competitor in the upcoming derby [https://www.fox2detroit.com/sports/wood-has-career-high-five-hits-including-23rd-hr-nationals-beat-tigers-11-7]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Home Run Derby Participants**: - Ronald Acuña Jr. (Braves) - Cal Raleigh (Mariners) - James Wood (Nationals) - **James Wood's Season Stats**: - Home Runs: 23 - Hits in a Game: 5 (career-high) - Performance: Contributed significantly to the Nationals' recent victory over the Tigers [https://www.wtop.com/washington-nationals/2025/07/wood-has-career-high-five-hits-including-23rd-hr-nationals-beat-tigers-11-7]. ### Conclusion: Anticipation for the Home Run Derby The upcoming 2025 MLB Home Run Derby promises to be an exciting event, featuring some of the league's most powerful hitters. 1. **Key Participants**: Ronald Acuña Jr., Cal Raleigh, and James Wood are set to compete, each bringing their unique strengths to the event. 2. **Recent Performances**: James Wood's recent achievements, including a career-high five hits and his 23rd home run, highlight his readiness for the challenge ahead. 3. **Fan Engagement**: The derby is expected to draw significant fan interest, as it showcases the thrilling aspect of baseball—home runs. As the date approaches, fans eagerly await what promises to be a memorable display of power hitting at Truist Park [https://www.abc27.com/sports/sports-illustrated/25504666/full-list-of-mlb-home-run-derby-winners].