Home Run Derby Odds Update: Meet the Contenders

MLBNEWS
July 11, 2025

Everything is Ready for the 2025 Home Run Derby! New Stars Set to Shine in Atlanta

 

With the All-Star break just around the corner, baseball excitement is reaching its peak with the long-awaited 2025 Home Run Derby. This year’s event will take place on Monday, July 14th, at Truist Park in Atlanta, home of the Atlanta Braves, and it promises to be an actual slugfest featuring a vibrant mix of rising young stars and explosive veterans.

For sports betting enthusiasts, this is the ideal time to analyze the Home Run Derby odds and place winning bets. Eight powerful sluggers will battle it out to become the new Home Run Derby champion, in a format built for speed, power, and pure entertainment.

 

Updated Format: Speed, Power, and Excitement

 

The format introduced last year returns in 2025, favoring aggressive, fast-swinging hitters. During the first round, each participant has either three minutes or up to 40 pitches to hit as many home runs as possible. Then, they get a bonus period, where they can keep swinging until they accumulate three outs (any swing that doesn’t result in a home run counts as an out).

Here’s the twist: any home run that travels more than 425 feet gives the batter an extra fourth out, a potentially decisive edge in close matchups. The top four hitters advance to the semifinals, where time is reduced to 2 minutes or 27 pitches, with a single-elimination format.

And if there’s a tie? Get ready for a high-adrenaline swing-off to determine the winner. Bettors should keep this in mind when reviewing the Home Run Derby Odds for each batter.

 

Home Run Derby Odds for Each Contender

 

Here are the eight confirmed sluggers for the 2025 Home Run Derby, along with their current stats and latest Home Run Derby Odds :

 

PlayerTeam2025 HRsOdds (BUSR odds)
Cal RaleighMariners36+330
Oneil CruzPirates16+330
Ronald Acuña Jr.Braves11+400
James WoodNationals20+700
Byron BuxtonTwins20+800
Jazz Chisholm Jr.Yankees17+900
Brent RookerAthletics19+1100
Junior CamineroRays22+1300

 

The Home Run Derby Odds reflect each player’s recent performance as well as how bettors view their chances of winning. Let’s take a closer look at each participant:

 

Cal Raleigh (Seattle Mariners ) – The Favorite

 

Raleigh, with 36 home runs, leads all of MLB and is on track to surpass the single-season record for most homers by a catcher. His combination of strength, timing, and steady performance makes him a serious threat in this competition format. Wondering why his MLB Lines sit at the top with +330.

 

Oneil Cruz (Pittsburgh Pirates ) – Raw Power

 

Standing at 6-foot-7, Cruz is a massive power hitter known for his exceptional bat speed. This year, he hit a ball at 122.9 mph, the hardest-hit shot ever tracked by Statcast. Though he’s hit “only” 16 homers, they’re monumental. With MLB odds at +330, Cruz is an attractive pick for those betting on pure strength.

 

Ronald Acuña Jr. (Atlanta Braves ) – Hometown Hero

 

The 2023 MLB MVP is back after knee surgery and has been hitting well since his return. Despite just 11 home runs so far, he’ll benefit from the home crowd advantage in Atlanta. That home crowd energy has propelled players like Bryce Harper in 2018 and Todd Frazier in 2015 to Home Run Derby victories. His MLB Odds of +400 place him among the top contenders.

 

James Wood (Washington Nationals ) – The Rising Star

 

At just 22 years old, Wood is one of the youngest competitors in the field. His long arms and robust frame remind many of Aaron Judge. His MLB Lines of +700 make him a potential breakout pick if he can adjust his swing to the Home Run Derby pace.

 

Byron Buxton (Minnesota Twins ) – Back in Georgia

 

Buxton returns to his home state in excellent form, with 20 home runs and one of the highest “no-doubter” percentages in MLB. At age 31, he became the oldest winner since David Ortiz in 2010. His MLB Betting of +800 makes him a value pick with veteran experience.

 

Jazz Chisholm Jr. (New York Yankees ) – Energy and Precision

 

With 17 home runs in just 61 games, Chisholm has impressed after returning from injury. He may not fit the classic Home Run Derby mold, but his high barrel rate and improved launch angle could give him an edge. With MLB Odds of +900, he’s a high-risk, high-reward option.

 

Brent Rooker (Oakland Athletics ) – Consistency and Style

 

Rooker is on track to notch his third consecutive season with 30 home runs. His naturally ideal launch angle is perfect for Derby settings. He also has prior Derby experience from his college days. Given his +1100 MLB Lines, he’s a solid value pick for those looking to take a chance.

 

Junior Caminero (Tampa Bay Rays) – Young and Explosive

 

The youngest of the group, Caminero, is full of raw power: 22 home runs, 99th percentile in hard-hit rate, and 97th percentile in exit velocity. His swing may not be fully tailored for the Derby yet, but at +1300 MLB Betting odds, he’s the kind of longshot bettors dream about.

 

Who Will Win? What the Home Run Derby Odds Say

 

According to the BUSR handicappers, the Home Run Derby odds point to a close race between Raleigh and Cruz, with Acuña not far behind.  Factors like swing rhythm, stamina, and even emotional control under pressure can tip the scales. Smart bettors will also weigh:

  • Average HR distance
  • Exit velocity
  • Physical condition
  • Crowd support and experience

 

Betting Tips for the 2025 Home Run Derby

 

Thinking of placing a bet? To get the most out of the MLB Lines, consider these helpful insights:

  • Live Betting: BUSR live betting enables you to place bets during the competition and use momentum shifts to your advantage.
  • Watch the First Swings: Early rhythm often indicates who’s in sync.
  • Consider Home-Field Impact: Acuña has the crowd on his side, which could fuel a deep run.
  • Don’t Ignore Underdogs: Teoscar Hernández won in 2024 against the Home Run Derby odds; anything can happen.
  • Look for Bet Promotions: BUSR offers boosts or risk-free bets specifically for the Home Run Derby.

 

The Most Explosive Night in Baseball Is Almost Here

 

The Home Run Derby is more than just a power showcase—it’s one of the most thrilling events in all of sports. For fans and bettors alike, it’s a unique opportunity to mix entertainment with strategy.

So get ready. Study the Home Run Derby odds, pick your favorite, and enjoy a night full of fireworks in Atlanta. Who will be crowned the next Derby champion? One thing’s for sure, it’ll be one heck of a show.

 

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