2025 Home Run Derby Recap: James Wood Impresses with 16 Home Runs

The 2025 MLB Home Run Derby brought some of the wildest power displays baseball fans have ever seen. Packed with drama and clutch moments, the event rolled out a new three-round format that really pushed the players.

High stakes and tight competition kept the energy up all night. Fans got a show they won’t forget anytime soon.

Let’s recap the best moments, break down the big performances, and talk about what made this new format such a hit.

Revamped Format Brings Energy and Strategy

This year’s Derby switched things up with a three-round format that moved fast and tested everyone’s endurance. Players had three minutes or 40 pitches in the first round to hit as many homers as possible.

There was a twist—batters earned bonus time after their main turn, but only for three non-home run swings. That meant hitters had to balance raw power with precision.

Fans stayed glued to their seats as the top four sluggers advanced, with tie-breakers going to whoever hit the longest bomb. It’s a clever way to reward both consistency and those jaw-dropping moonshots.

The Importance of Distance

This year, tiebreakers weren’t just about who hit the most—they hinged on distance. The format rewarded not just clearing the fence but launching absolute monsters that got the crowd buzzing.

One epic homer could change everything. Seattle’s Cal Raleigh showed that by advancing with an edge as tiny as 0.08 feet.

First Round Highlights: Records, Drama, and Heartbreak

The opening round had more fireworks than anyone expected. Surprises, standout moments, and even a few disappointments kept fans guessing.

Here’s a quick look at how the players fared:

• James Wood (Washington Nationals): Wood started things off with 16 home runs, including a 486-foot blast. That opening statement showed he’s got serious power.
• Jazz Chisholm Jr. (Miami Marlins): Chisholm struggled, hitting just three homers. The crowd let him hear it, which is rare for the Derby’s usual party vibe.
• Byron Buxton (Minnesota Twins): Buxton brought the crowd to life with 20 home runs and a 466-foot shot. He locked in third place for the round.
• Oneil Cruz (Pittsburgh Pirates): Cruz tied for first with 21 homers, including a ridiculous 513-foot blast. The crowd went nuts—rightfully so, since that shot made Derby history.
• Junior Caminero (Tampa Bay Rays): Caminero also put up 21 homers, topping out at 475 feet. His steady swing landed him at the top of the leaderboard.
• Cal Raleigh (Seattle Mariners): Raleigh squeaked through with 17 homers, just edging Oakland’s Brent Rooker by 0.08 feet on the longest homer tie-breaker.
• Matt Olson (Atlanta Braves): Olson, the last batter, finished with 15 homers. He gave it a solid effort but didn’t advance in a stacked field.

Oneil Cruz Stuns With the Longest Blast of the Night

Pittsburgh’s Oneil Cruz absolutely stole the show. His 513-foot homer wasn’t just the longest of the night—it cracked the top ten in Derby history.

Cruz’s effortless power and steady pace reminded everyone why he’s one of baseball’s most thrilling young stars. That kind of moment sticks with fans.

Junior Caminero’s Consistency Pays Off

While Cruz’s bomb got the biggest reaction, Junior Caminero matched him with 21 homers of his own. Caminero’s longest shot reached 475 feet, and he just kept swinging smooth and steady.

That consistency put him right at the top in Round 1.

Cal Raleigh Advances in a Nail-Biter

Cal Raleigh’s night was pure drama. He hit 17 home runs to grab the last spot in the semifinals.

It all came down to the distance of his longest homer—he edged Brent Rooker by a razor-thin 0.08 feet. Every swing mattered in this contest, and Raleigh made his count.

Final Thoughts: A Night to Remember

The 2025 Home Run Derby brought athleticism and pure entertainment together. Oneil Cruz smashed a 513-foot moonshot that had everyone talking.

Cal Raleigh’s tiebreaker finish? Absolutely wild. The new format tossed in more strategy and drama than anyone expected.

Fans stayed on edge until the very last swing. So much raw power was on display, it’s tough to imagine a more electric Derby in recent memory.

 
Here is the source article for this story: 2025 Home Run Derby Live Updates: James Wood Starts Strong With 16 HRs