2025 MLB Home Run Derby Betting Preview

The 2025 Home Run Derby is set to take place at Truist Park in Atlanta, with a field full of young stars, local heroes, and some of the most powerful bats in baseball. This year’s Derby features a mix of first-timers and veterans, all hoping to add their name to the list of Derby champions.

Dimers.com previews a huge Derby.

2025 Home Run Derby Format

The Derby will air live on ESPN/ESPN2 at 8 p.m. ET on July 14. The contest features eight sluggers battling it out across three rounds in bracket-style play.

🔶 Round One (All vs. All)

• Timing: 3 minutes or 40 pitches (whichever comes first).

• Bonus Period: After regulation, hitters get unlimited swings until they incur three outs (non-homer swings). Additionally: any bonus homer traveling 425+ ft grants an extra out

• Timeouts: One 45‑second timeout allowed.

• Advancement: Top 4 by total homers move on.

• Tiebreakers: Ties decided by longest home run; if still tied, a 60‑second swing-off 

⚔️ Semifinals (Bracketed Head-to-Head)

• Seeding: 1 vs. 4, and 2 vs. 3 (based on Round One totals).

• Format: Same timing and pitch count as Round One: 3 minutes or 40 pitches + bonus period rules.

• Timeouts: One 45‑second.

• Tiebreakers: If tied, 60‑second swing-off; if still tied, successive 3‑swing sudden-death rounds.

🏆 Finals

• Constraints: Shortened to 2 minutes or 27 pitches, plus bonus outs as before.

• Timeouts: One 45‑second break.

• Tiebreakers: Same swing-off rules as semis.

• Champion is crowned on most homers in the final round 

📺 Viewing Info

• Date: Monday, July 14, 2025

• Time: 8 p.m. ET

• Channel: ESPN / ESPN2

📊 Participants & Odds via bet365

🧨 Player Previews

Cal Raleigh (+275) enters as the favorite and for good reason. The Mariners’ slugging catcher has set records for most pre-All-Star break home runs by both a catcher and switch-hitter. With his father pitching to him and the event taking place near his North Carolina roots, Raleigh has the narrative, power, and momentum to make history.

Oneil Cruz (+300) is Statcast royalty. His 122.9 mph homer earlier this season is the hardest-hit ball since 2015. With unmatched exit velocity and raw strength, Cruz could break the scoreboard—if he can manage the endurance of the timed format.

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James Wood (+500), the 6’7” rookie phenom for the Nationals, brings elite exit velocity and barrel rate metrics. His swing is built for this format, and while this is his first Derby, his power is already top-tier.

Matt Olson (+700) replaces Ronald Acuña Jr. and represents his hometown Braves. Olson has 134 homers since joining Atlanta and knows Truist Park better than anyone in the field. A dark horse? Maybe. But don’t overlook the hometown energy.

Byron Buxton (+750) has 20 homers and a flair for big moments. The Georgia native is healthy and excited for a rare All-Star stage in his home state. His mix of speed and power is electric, though consistency has often been the issue.

Brent Rooker (+1000) has been one of the few bright spots for the A’s and has past experience in HR contests from his college days. With 88 home runs since 2023, he’s got the pop—but may lack the star power to stay in the spotlight.

MORE: Best MLB Props for Today

Junior Caminero (+1200) is an emerging face of MLB. The 22-year-old Rays third baseman has mashed over 20 homers already this season and leads AL third basemen. Still, as a late addition and first-timer, he may face a steep learning curve.

Junior Caminero has led the charge for the Rays this season

Jazz Chisholm (+1400) enters with the longest odds but shouldn’t be dismissed. The Yankees slugger has gone deep 7 times in his last 50 ABs and is riding a serious hot streak. He’s a wild card with upside—perfect for those seeking value.

✅ Best Bet: Cal Raleigh (+275)

Raleigh checks every box: league-leading home run total, historic positional achievements, familiarity with the park, and the emotional advantage of his father pitching to him. He also leads a field lacking in Derby veterans. At +275, he’s not only the favorite—he’s the most complete package in the bracket.

For bettors looking for a longer shot, James Wood (+500) offers tremendous value with elite underlying metrics and an effortless swing tailored for timed power hitting.

Finding the best sports betting apps odds and bonus offers is easy on the Dimers Best Betting Sites page. Find the best offer in your state and click through to sign up. The process is fast and easy for most sportsbooks with registration completed in less than a couple of minutes.

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