Let’s be real: the MLB All-Star Game is fun, but the Home Run Derby? That’s the main event — the one that gets fans off the couch, beer in hand, watching sluggers smash balls into orbit.
This year’s Derby, going down at Truist Park in Atlanta on Monday night, is set to be an absolute slugfest. Eight of the league’s biggest power hitters are gearing up for a showdown that’s about more than just bragging rights — there’s serious cash on the line.
What’s the Prize for Winning the Home Run Derby?
You might think the thrill of launching 450-foot bombs in front of a national audience would be enough — but MLB’s put some serious money behind this event too.
Here’s the breakdown of the 2025 Home Run Derby prize money:
| Place | Prize |
| 🥇 Champion | $1 million |
| 🥈 Runner-up | $750,000 |
| 💰 Total Pool | $2.5 million |
The remaining chunk of the prize pool gets split among the rest of the participants. But let’s be honest, everyone’s swinging for that $1 million jackpot.
Why It Matters (Especially for Young Stars)
The Derby money isn’t just icing on the cake — for some players, it’s more than what they make all season.
Remember when Pete Alonso won in 2019 and 2021? His Derby checks were bigger than his MLB salary those years. That’s huge, especially for players still on rookie deals or pre-arbitration contracts.
So yeah, players are motivated. Real money, real stage, real fireworks.
Who’s Competing in 2025?
This year’s lineup is stacked. Fans can expect monster swings from the likes of:
- Matt Olson – hometown hero with serious pop
- Cal Raleigh – switch-hitting catcher who mashes
- Oneil Cruz – 6’7″ shortstop with video game power
- Teoscar Hernandez – last year’s champ, looking to repeat
And that’s just the beginning — there are eight total sluggers ready to put on a show under the Atlanta lights.
What’s the Format?
MLB flipped the script in 2015 by introducing timed rounds, and it completely changed the vibe. It’s fast-paced, electric, and somehow feels like March Madness meets batting practice.
Sluggers go head-to-head, swinging as many times as they can within a set time limit. Bonus time is added for especially long dingers. The result? Rapid-fire home runs and nonstop action.
Why Truist Park Is the Perfect Host
Truist Park is known for being a hitter-friendly stadium — and that’s exactly what you want for a Derby. Lefties and righties alike will have the chance to pepper the outfield stands, and you can bet Braves fans will be rowdy all night.
My Thoughts
I’ll say it: this event has officially overtaken the All-Star Game as the highlight of the week. It’s loud, it’s fast, and it’s all about pure power. Whether you’re a stats nerd or just love watching moonshots, the Derby delivers.
So mark your calendar, grab a cold one, and settle in. The 2025 Home Run Derby is ready to bring the fireworks — and maybe make someone a millionaire in the process.
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