The 2025 MLB Home Run Derby is set to take place on Monday night at Truist Park in Atlanta. Eight players will compete in the event this year, including the record-breaking home run leader in Cal Raleigh.
MLB Home Run Derby Winner Will Take Home $1 Million
The winner will take home more than just the honors and a trophy, though, as the grand prize for the victor is set at a cool $1 million.
For a few of the contestants, the prize money would be more than the salaries that they are set to earn on their MLB contracts this season. Oneil Cruz of the Pittsburgh Pirates is one of the better bargains in baseball, as the current leader in steals will make $785,000 in 2025. James Wood of the Washington Nationals is paid $764,000, as is Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays.
The Home Run Derby's $1 million prize is more than the entire salaries for three of the contest's young stars.
• Oneil Cruz ($785,000)
• James Wood ($764,600)
• Junior Caminero ($764,100)— Front Office Sports (@FOS) July 14, 2025
There are other cash incentives other than for simply winning first place. The slugger who comes in second will earn $500,000, and every other participant will take home $150,000 regardless of standing. There is also a $100,000 bonus for the player who hits the longest home run.
Who is the favorite? Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh is hitting home runs at an all-time pace, and is the overall leader on the odds board with a designation of +295. Cruz is next on the list at +330, and Wood is listed at +450. It appears to be something of a three-man race, as the player with the next-lowest odds is Matt Olsen of the hometown Braves at +800.
Who will be crowned the 2025 Home Run Derby champion tonight? 👑 pic.twitter.com/2aETAZlNoB
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) July 14, 2025
The first two rounds of the 2025 MLB Home Run Derby have the same 3-minute format, which is followed by an untimed bonus period. The final round will be shortened to 2 minutes, and it too has a bonus period attached.
The event is set to begin at 8PM eastern time and will be broadcasted on ESPN.
