MLB All Star Game and Home Run Derby Highlights

MLBNEWS
July 16, 2025

2025 MLB All‑Star Game and Home Run Derby Recap and Highlights

 

A Midsummer Celebration Returns

The 2025 MLB All‑Star Game and Home Run Derby lit up Truist Park in Atlanta, celebrating history, heroes, and hard‑hit home runs. Established in 1933, the All‑Star Game became a fan-favorite showcase of baseball’s best talent. Paired with the Home Run Derby—first held in 1985—it stands as one of the greatest events for both on-field excitement and MLB odds buzz.

This year marked the Braves’ third All‑Star Game appearance at Truist Park, following memorable contests in 1972 and 2000. Fans endured hot Georgia summer weather but were rewarded with soaring dingers, dramatic tiebreakers, and a nod to innovation.

For bet on MLB enthusiasts, this weekend was a blast, filled with prop wagers, MVP speculation, and futures markets tied to the mid‑season showdowns. Still, it was MLB odds movement—and unforgettable moments—that defined the festivities.

 

History and Innovation

A Game for the Ages

The All‑Star Game has long been MLB’s unofficial holiday crown jewel, featuring dramatic matchups, generational talents, and star power. In 2025, both leagues brought their elite rosters to Atlanta, highlighted by hometown hero Ronald Acuña Jr., two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani, National League slugger Pete Alonso, and youthful breakout star Pete Crow-Armstrong.

Atlanta’s hosting sparked nostalgia and energy, amplified by tribute ceremonies to Hank Aaron’s 715th career home run. That blend of tradition and electricity framed a showdown worthy of MLB betting lore.

Fast Forward: Swing‑Off Innovation

Following tied regulation play (6–6 through nine innings), MLB leaned into evolution by introducing the Home Run Derby‑style “swing‑off” tiebreaker, first implemented experimentally in 2022. The new format pitted three-star hitters from each league in a sudden-death showdown.

National League’s Kyle Schwarber electrified fans with a perfect 3-for-3 performance, launching all three swings into homers and securing a 7–6 NL victory.

This high-stakes, high-drama format earned universal acclaim. Commissioner Rob Manfred praised it, calling the swing-off “perfect,” while players and fans alike likened it to backyard Wiffle Ball glory.

 

All‑Star Game: Play-By-Play Highlights

Early Frames: NL Leads

From the opening pitch, the National League imposed dominance. Starter Paul Skenes struck out two in the first inning, but NL hitters delivered: Ketel Marte and Shohei Ohtani muscled an early 2–0 lead.

Midgame Power Display

In the sixth inning, National League hero Pete Alonso, mic’d up and dramatic, crushed a three-run shot to push the lead to 5–0. Corbin Carroll followed with a solo blast, staking the NL to a commanding 6–0 advantage.

AL Fights Back

Never count out the American League. In the seventh, Brent Rooker connected for a three-run homer, signaling the AL’s intent. Another run followed soon, trimming the deficit to 6–4.

By the ninth, two key hits—a double from Bobby Witt Jr. and an infield single from Steven Kwan—tied the game. A rare misplay led to the NL error.

Swing‑Off Decides It

With the score 6–6, managers Aaron Boone and Dave Roberts selected three hitters plus one alternate each to enter the swing‑off.

  • NL batters: Kyle Stowers, Kyle Schwarber, and Pete Alonso (alternate).
  • AL batters: Brent Rooker, Randy Arozarena, and Jonathan Aranda.

Schwarber delivered the knockout performance: three homers on three swings. With the NL ahead 4–3 in mini-rounds, the AL couldn’t match it, and the NL claimed the All‑Star Game.

 

MVP and Analytical Recap

MVP: Kyle Schwarber

Kyle Schwarber earned MVP honors for his flawless swing‑off, launching three home runs with style, through center field and into right-field stands. His late power swing swung the result, reinforcing his midseason status as one of MLB’s premier power hitters.

Standout Performers

  • Pete Alonso: Delivered a mammoth three-run homer and assumed a closer mentality in swing-off readiness.
  • Bobby Witt Jr.: Sparked the AL comeback with a clutch double.
  • Jacob Misiorowski: Fastest to 100+ MPH pitches since 2008, showcasing his electric stuff.

 

Format Evolution

ABS (automated ball-strike) review system debuted successfully, while tiebreaker and swing-off formats premiered with flair. With positive feedback from fans and broadcasters, MLB appears ready to embrace further innovation in features, broadcast, and MLB betting appeal.

 

Home Run Derby: Power on Display

Derby Overview

On July 14, Truist Park hosted the T-Mobile Home Run Derby. Eight MLB sluggers faced off in timed rounds—40 seconds initially, tightening to a 27-second showdown—with rules rewarding distance and grace under pressure.

Contestants

The American League field included Cal Raleigh (SEA), Junior Caminero (TB), Byron Buxton (MIN), and Brent Rooker (OAK). The National League had Oneil Cruz (PIT), Matt Olson (ATL), James Wood (WSH), and Jazz Chisholm Jr. (NYY).

Semifinals

Cal Raleigh edged Oneil Cruz after Cruz smacked a jaw‑dropping 513‑foot shot—the longest non‑Coors home run this Derby.

Championship Showdown

In the finals, Raleigh defeated the young star Caminero 18–15. Logic, patience, and family support fueled his victory.

Historical Impact

Raleigh became the first catcher and switch-hitter to win the Derby. His career season included 38 homers before votes were tallied. Oneil Cruz’s 513-footer made him a highlight reel regular, despite a semifinal exit.

 

Betting Insights and Odds Recap

Swing‑Off: Betting Waves

The introduction of the swing-off format created a flurry of MLB odds adjustments and live betting chatter. With a sudden-death ending, sportsbooks offered unique prop markets and MVP futures, many landing on Schwarber as he rose to prominence.

Derby Props and Survivor Markets

The Derby’s bracket style allowed for early betting on favorites like Raleigh, Cruz, and Caminero. Raleigh’s late-career rise and hot swing were reflected in rising MLB betting lines .

Swing-Off Value Lines

Some sportsbooks offered action on swing-off outcomes—NL victory lines, total homers, and player RBI/HR props. Schwarber’s pristine 3-for-3 noted as both “likely” in-game and long shot ahead of the event.

Gulf Between Game & Derby

Bookmakers separated live bets on the MLB season between game outcomes and Derby events, giving bettors dual access to traditional score props and novelty swing-off bets.

 

Game-Changer Moments

Embracing Change

This year’s format adjustments—from ABS challenges to swing-off tie-breakers—reinforced MLB’s commitment to innovation. Officials cited early successes and the potential for a future rollout to broader adoption.

Fan and Media Reaction

The tiebreaker drew praise for turning lukewarm moments into electric sequences. Fans appreciated its unpredictability and novelty, while players called it “backyard Wiffle Ball come to life”.

Momentum for the Future

With the success of swing-off, MLB may expand it beyond exhibitions. Meanwhile, Derby rules continue to evolve—tracking swing counts, launch angles, and post-game playoffs—to enhance viewer engagement.

 

Register, Bet, and Watch the Magic

The 2025 MLB All‑Star Game and Home Run Derby delivered history. First-ever swing-off clinched a thrilling NL win, while Cal Raleigh reclaimed spotlight in Derby lore. Between Fraser Homer fireworks and strategic tiebreakers, this weekend was a bettor’s dream and a fan’s fest.

For MLB odds hunters, this disruption offers prop-rich seasons ahead—futures, MVPs, HR props, and even swing-off outcomes. Meanwhile, MLB fans can delve into live and pre-game markets. Want to be among the first to experience the excitement?

Sign up today to stream all the action, view real-time MLB odds, and bet on MLB with confidence. Join now, claim your bonus, and never miss a swing.

 

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