Raleigh will become the second-ever player to switch hit in the Derby ( Adley Rutschman in 2023, lost 2nd round), plus no catcher has ever won the derby. This is year 39 of the event, so odds are against Raleigh despite him being the favorite.

Home Run Derby takes place Monday, July 14 to kick off the MLB All-Star break. The format for this year's competition remains the same as it did in 2024, where the top four hitters from the opening round will advance to the knockout bracket where there will be head-to-head matchups.

At +300, Raleigh is the favorite to win the 2025 HR derby, but Washington’s James Wood (+425) should also be a top contender, as he is truly delivering an impressive breakthrough season. Matt Olson (+800), who is replacing Acuna, will naturally be the favorite for the home crowd. Junior Caminero is a very tempting longshot, too, at +1200.

Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh enters the Derby as the favorite, with his MLB-leading 38 home runs at the All-Star break just one short of Barry Bonds' first-half mark from 2001 – the year he went on to set the single-season home run record.

The 2025 MLB Home Run Derby is tonight at 8:00 p.m. ET on ESPN, and while the established sluggers we know might not be participating, there’s a whole lot of power in this lineup. There are breakout stars,

Neil Paine dug into the data to see which of the HR Derby contestants are built to hit dingers in Truist Park. The results may surprise you.

SportsLine's model is up 37.65 units on HR picks this season. Use its MLB picks for MLB sportsbook promotions like MLB profit boosts