Besides Ohtani and Acuña Jr., the NL team will feature second baseman Starling Marte in the third position of the batting order, while Manny Machado sits in the middle of the lineup, below Freddie Freeman.

It’s unclear why the AL team placed Judge in the third spot of the batting order. It could be a strategic move for the All-Star Game, but many expected him to anchor the top of the order, similar to Ohtani with the NL team.

Who Has the Better Batters?

While both All-Star teams appear balanced in terms of batting average, the American League boasts two significant home run leaders in Aaron Judge and Cal Raleigh, who recently made history by winning the Home Run Derby as a catcher.

On the National League side, Ronald Acuña Jr. is back and in top form. Despite his Braves team’s struggles, he has been unstoppable, entering the All-Star break with a .323 batting average and 12 home runs on the season, making him a highly anticipated player to watch.

Pitchers Poised to Silence the Bats

A key factor in stopping power hitters like Judge, Shohei Ohtani, and other top batters will be the pitching. With Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes confirmed as the starting pitchers, attention also turns to the relief pitchers available during the game, as their performance will be crucial in securing a victory.

The stage is set for one of baseball’s most electrifying nights. As the 2025 Home Run Derby approaches, anticipation builds—not just for the power display, but for the drama timed to perfection under the stadium lights.

Fans and players alike await the moment when the first pitch is thrown, signaling the start of a battle where every swing counts. Timing is key in this contest, where a ticking clock adds pressure to the chase for the crown.

This year’s event promises unforgettable MLB moments, fueled by fierce competition and tight scheduling. The clock is ticking, and the question on everyone’s mind: when exactly does the Derby begin?

What time does the Home Run Derby start and where is it?

The 2025 MLB Home Run Derby is set to ignite the excitement at Truist Park on Monday, July 14, with a prime time start at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. As part of All-Star Week, this event gathers the league’s top power hitters ready to put on a show full of towering home runs and high-energy competition.

Baseball fans nationwide will be glued to their screens as eight of the sport’s biggest sluggers step up to the plate, each aiming to out-homer their rivals. The Derby’s format, packed with timed rounds and knockout stages, guarantees edge-of-your-seat moments as the participants battle for the title.

Broadcast live on ESPN, it offers a perfect summer night of entertainment, blending raw power with strategic hitting. It’s a must-watch event where heroes are made and the crack of the bat echoes through the stadium under the July night sky.

July 14 is a rare quiet day on the MLB schedule. No games, no action on the diamond. Instead, the league pauses amid the buzz of All-Star Week, giving players and fans a momentary break before the big events unfold.

This break isn’t due to rainouts or disputes. It’s a planned pause—a breath before the intense midseason showcase. The silence is the calm before the Home Run Derby and All-Star Game storms, where stars take center stage.

While stadiums stay empty, the focus shifts behind the scenes. Players rest and prepare, fans anticipate, and the countdown ticks down to the Home Run Derby tonight and the All-Star Game tomorrow.

Why are there no MLB games on July 14?

There are no Major League Baseball games scheduled today because it’s the designated off day during All-Star Week. This pause allows players to rest, travel, and participate in the league’s showcase events.

July 14 lands between two of the biggest moments of the week: the Home Run Derby and the All-Star Game. It’s a built-in breather—an annual tradition meant to let the league reset, give players a midseason break and turn attention to the stars of the show.

What’s on the schedule during All-Star Week?

All-Star Week is a celebration stretching over several days, packed with events that highlight the best talent in baseball. On July 14, there are no regular-season games, giving players a chance to recharge before the big moments ahead.

On the evening of July 14, the spotlight shines on the Home Run Derby, a fan-favorite spectacle where sluggers go head-to-head in a battle of power and precision. It’s a night of high stakes and high drama that sets the tone for the week.

Then, on July 15, the Midsummer Classic takes center stage—the All-Star Game itself—pitting the best players from the American and National Leagues against each other. Beyond the game, the week features the Futures Game, celebrity softball matches, and fan events, making it a full baseball festival.

The 2025 Home Run Derby returns with more than just star power—it brings a fresh twist to the format. At Truist Park, timing, precision, and raw strength will matter more than ever in a contest built for spectacle.

Eight sluggers enter round one, but not all will survive the bracket. With each swing measured not just by power but by pace, the updated rules are set to push even the most seasoned hitters to their limits.

Bonus time, swing limits and tie-breaking blasts—all part of a structure designed to reward consistency and drama. As the format evolves, so does the pressure. One misstep could end a title dream before it begins.

How does the 2025 Home Run Derby format work?

The 2025 Home Run Derby kicks off with eight participants, each given three minutes or a maximum of 40 pitches in the opening round—whichever comes first. Once that timed session ends, a bonus period begins where players continue to swing until they record three outs.

In this context, any swing that doesn’t result in a home run counts as an out. However, there’s an added twist: if a player manages to hit a ball over 425 feet during the bonus time, they earn a fourth out, buying themselves a crucial extra chance.

Only the top four home run hitters from the first round move on to the semifinals, where they’re seeded based on their totals: the highest scorer faces the fourth, and the second goes up against the third. In these matchups, each player gets two minutes or up to 27 pitches. Importantly, home runs from the first round do not carry over—every round is a fresh start.

The final round follows the same rules as the semis: two minutes or 27 pitches per hitter. The competitor with the most home runs in the final takes home the crown. Each batter is also allowed a single 45-second timeout during their round, though this can’t be used during the bonus period or in tiebreakers. If a semifinal or final ends in a tie, it’s settled through a three-swing “swing-off”, repeated until a winner emerges.

What’s at stake for the winner?

Beyond the glory and highlight reels, the 2025 Home Run Derby winner takes home more than just bragging rights. Major League Baseball has continued its tradition of rewarding the champion with a $1 million prize, making it one of the most lucrative single-night payouts in the sport.

But for many players, the stakes are also legacy-defining. Past Derby wins have elevated careers, boosted marketability, and turned rising stars into household names. It’s a high-profile spotlight in the middle of the baseball calendar—a stage where a single night can reshape how a player is perceived league-wide.

In front of a packed crowd at Truist Park and a national television audience, the winner walks away not only richer, but immortalized in Derby lore. From Ken Griffey Jr. to Pete Alonso, the list of champions reads like a roll call of sluggers who left a mark. This year’s victor will soon join that elite company.

The crack of the bat, the roar of the crowd—summer’s biggest power showcase returns as the 2025 Home Run Derby takes center stage during All-Star week. And this year, the lineup promises fireworks beyond the outfield fences.

From returning champs to breakout sluggers, the list of participants blends experience with fresh momentum. Names are still buzzing across sports radio and social feeds as fans speculate who might steal the spotlight in Georgia.

Hosted at Truist Park, the event brings an Atlanta-sized dose of adrenaline to this year’s festivities. With anticipation building, all eyes are now locked on the eight-man bracket and the swing-for-swing MLB drama it’s bound to bring.

Who’s stepping up to the plate in the 2025 Home Run Derby?

The 2025 Home Run Derby lineup is locked in, and it’s one of the most electrifying in recent memory. With a powerful blend of seasoned hitters and emerging stars, this year’s contest promises both nostalgia and surprise:

• Cal Raleigh (Seattle Mariners) – MLB’s home run leader with 38 long balls so far.
• James Wood (Washington Nationals) – A 22-year-old breakout star with 24 HRs.
• Byron Buxton (Minnesota Twins) – Returning slugger from Georgia with 21 HRs.
• Oneil Cruz (Pittsburgh Pirates) – Noted for epic exit velocities, 16 HRs.
• Junior Caminero (Tampa Bay Rays) – Young phenom with 23 HRs.
• Brent Rooker (Oakland A’s) – Consistent power hitter with ~20 HRs.
• Jazz Chisholm Jr. (New York Yankees) – Showman with 17 HRs, added late to the field.
• Matt Olson (Atlanta Braves) – Local favorite replacing Acuña Jr., 17 HRs this season.

What makes this field especially thrilling is its unpredictability. No single player is a clear-cut favorite, and each brings a unique style—some with raw strength, others with timing and finesse. It’s a bracket built for drama, and with the Derby returning to a baseball-loving city like Atlanta, the energy in Truist Park is already simmering.

When asked if he’s playing with a chip on his shoulder after being left off the 2025 roster, Soto downplayed the situation: “Forget about that. It’s baseball,” he said after the Mets 3-1 win over the Royals where he added on moonshot to his personal stats.

He also acknowledged how difficult it is to earn a spot in the game: “It’s really tough to get in,” said Soto, who played in both the 2023 and 2024 editions of the Midsummer Classic. Still, he made it clear he’s not content sitting out: “Next time, I’m gonna try harder and see what I can do.”

How Many All-Star Selections Does Juan Soto Have?

Since reaching the majors, Soto has been selected to the All-Star Game four times, and all in consecutive seasons—twice with the Nationals (2021, 2022), once with the Padres (2023), and most recently with the Yankees (2024).

In three of those appearances, he made the roster as a reserve. It wasn’t until 2024, during his first MLB season with New York, that Soto earned his first selection as a fan-elected starter in the outfield—alongside Aaron Judge.

What Would It Take for Soto to Make the All-Star Game Again?

To return to the All-Star Game next season, Soto will need to secure more fan votes—something that typically requires a hot start, strong production at the plate, and highlight-worthy performances. Even if he doesn’t win the fan vote, he could still be named a reserve, but that would require earning the respect of his peers in the players’ vote and catching the attention of league officials.

That pitcher is Cristopher Sánchez, one of the Phillies’ most reliable arms this season. While Sánchez was officially selected to the All-Star Game last year—the first such honor of his career—he didn’t make the cut in 2025. Still, the Phillies are paying him his All-Star bonus, a move that’s unusual but signals the team’s appreciation for his performance.

“Cristopher Sanchez said the Phillies will pay him his All-Star bonus. He did not make the NL team because he is pitching Sunday and would not pitch on Tuesday in Atlanta.” Todd Zolecki wrote on X.

How Much Does Cristopher Sánchez Make?

Among Phillies starting pitchers, Sánchez earns a salary of $5.62 million—putting him near the bottom of the rotation in terms of pay. He’s one of only two starters on the roster making under $10 million annually. At the lower end, Seth Johnson will make $760,000 this season, just above the league minimum.

When Was Bryce Harper’s Last All-Star Appearance?

Harper’s most recent All-Star nod came just last season, bringing his career total to eight selections in 14 years in the majors. He was one of the top vote-getters alongside Aaron Judge and was also the second-most experienced All-Star at the 2024 event, trailing only José Altuve, who entered with nine nods.

How Many Phillies Will Be at the 2025 All-Star Game?

So far, only one Phillie is confirmed for the 2025 All-Star Game: Kyle Schwarber, who now has three All-Star appearances to his name. Ranger Suárez and Zack Wheeler were both in consideration but ultimately chose not to participate.

One of those starters is Pirates right-hander Paul Skenes, who will take the mound for the National League. Now in his second MLB season, Skenes is the youngest of this year’s starting pitchers. His win-loss record (4–8) may not jump off the page, but his 2.01 ERA has earned him high praise and solidified his place among the league’s elite.

Skenes isn’t just starting for the NL—he’s also making history. He becomes the first pitcher in MLB history to start the All-Star Game in each of his first two professional seasons. Only four other players—none of them pitchers—have accomplished that feat.

Tigers Ace Gets the Call for the AL

On the American League side, the nod goes to Tigers lefty Tarik Skubal, who returns to the All-Star Game for the second straight year. It’s a major milestone in his six-year MLB career, which has seen steady improvement. Skubal enters the break with a 10–3 record and a 2.23 ERA.

Both Skenes and Skubal have been dominant this season, and with two elite arms on the mound, it’s fair to expect a low-scoring affair. Through 39 combined starts, they’ve allowed just 60 total runs.

Detroit Deep, Pittsburgh Alone

The Tigers will be well-represented at this year’s Midsummer Classic, sending six players in total. In contrast, Skenes will be Pittsburgh’s lone representative, with no teammates joining him on the National League roster.

Beyond Alex Bregman and Bobby Witt Jr., the Rays will have two players among the AL reserves: first baseman Jonathan Aranda and second baseman Brandon Lowe. They will be the only teammates to be selected as reserves for the AL.

The reserves will be available in case any starter is unable to play due to injury or any other reason. Among the reserves, two players—Aranda and Jeremy Peña—will be making their first All-Star Game appearance.

The Complete List of Reserves

As previously mentioned, only two rookie reserves will be making their first All-Star Game appearance, while all nine other players have prior experience in such MLB events. The most veteran among the reserves are Alex Bregman (Red Sox) and Julio Rodríguez (Mariners), both with three All-Star Game appearances.

American League All-Star Starters Announced

Aaron Judge will headline the American League starters, leading a group that includes several seasoned veterans. Among them is Vladimir Guerrero Jr., making his fifth All-Star appearance. The most veteran player among all AL starters will be the Guardians’ José Ramírez, earning his seventh All-Star nod.

Ramírez is tied with the National League’s Manny Machado for the second-most All-Star selections among all players, trailing only the Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman, who leads with nine career appearances.

With Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani already locked in as starters for their respective leagues, the next phase begins with the list of finalists. Fans will get one last shot to cast their votes starting June 30.

The final day to vote is July 2, after which MLB will announce the full list of All-Star selections. Notably, there won’t be a single Phillies player among the finalists—but several Dodgers remain in the mix.

How Many Votes Are Needed for a Player to Win?

There isn’t a set number of votes a player needs to win. Instead, the player must simply receive more votes than the others to become a starter in the All-Star game. The players who come in second place will be designated as reserve players, available in case the fan-selected starter is unable to play.

Do Players Get a Special Award for Winning the Vote?

Players don’t receive money or trophies for winning the vote. However, they do earn the distinction of being an All-Star player, and this is reflected in their career stats. The player who holds the record for most appearances in this type of game is Hank Aaron, with a total of 25, surpassing Willie Mays and Stan Musial, both tied at 24.

The Brooklyn Nets were the team that changed the landscape of the competition for at least this season. It was getting rid ofthe controversial Kyrie Irving what started the domino effect when he was sent to the Dallas Mavericks. Superstar Luka Doncic got a talented player in his team, but he wasn’t the only stellar presence to receive help.

Durant also changed franchises after his former teammate was traded. Phoenix look again as a contender having a core formed by top stars in the game such as Devin Booker or Chris Paul. Although the Suns will not be represented by KD in the NBA All-Star Game.

Why isKevin Durant missing the 2023 NBA All-Star Game?

Injuries have limited Durant’s availability since he signed with the Nets. He arrived there after tearing his Achilles in the NBA Finals while he was in the Golden State Warriors. Though lately he also had some issues that put a ceiling on his team.

Durant is not playing the NBA All-Star Game because of an injury. The former MVP had an MCL sprain in his right knee a month ago that kept him out for several matchups this year. His absence was expected even before the trade, but he could be back sooner rather than later to play in a new team yet again.