Oneil Cruz Bringing Unmatched Power to 2025 Home Run Derby
Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Oneil Cruz made a significant announcement on Tuesday, revealing his decision to compete in this year’s Home Run Derby. The event, scheduled for July 14, 2025, at 8 p.m., will see Cruz join an impressive roster of participants, including Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays, Byron Buxton from the Minnesota Twins, James Wood of the Washington Nationals, Seattle Mariners’ Cal Raleigh, and Ronald Acuña Jr. of the Atlanta Braves.
Cruz’s Power Hitting
The 26-year-old Cruz has established himself as one of Major League Baseball’s premier power hitters. He made headlines when he launched a home run against the Milwaukee Brewers on May 25 that registered as the hardest-hit ball recorded since the inception of Statcast in 2015, reaching an astonishing speed of 122.9 mph. Impressively, Cruz previously held that title as well with a 122.4 mph single back in August 2022.
Additionally, Cruz owns the longest home run of his career—a massive 472-foot drive hit on July 27, 2024. This season, he has already hit a ball an estimated 463 feet and recently smashed another long shot against the Kansas City Royals, measuring 458 feet. Cruz’s extraordinary talent is reflected in his stats, having recorded six of this season’s 10 baseballs that achieved an exit velocity of at least 118 mph.
Cruz’s Unique Home Run Derby Opportunity
The Dominican native Cruz will be the first Pirates player to take part in the Home Run Derby since Josh Bell in 2019, joining a select group of Pittsburgh athletes who have previously participated:
| Player | Year | Total Home Runs |
|---|---|---|
| Bobby Bonilla | 1990 | 0 |
| Barry Bonds | 1992 | 2 |
| Jason Bay | 2005 | 0 |
| Andrew McCutchen | 2012 | 4 |
| Pedro Alvarez | 2013 | 6 |
| Josh Bell | 2019 | 18 |
Cruz has the potential to not only exceed the first round but to also make history as the first Pirates player to advance past that stage.
Predictions for the Home Run Derby
Members of the KDKA-TV sports team have weighed in with their predictions regarding Cruz’s performance during the contest:
- Bob Pompeani: Longest home run will measure 499 feet, reaching at least the second round.
- Rich Walsh: Predicts Cruz will win the Derby with a longest drive of 501 feet.
- Cassidy Wood: Foresees a trip to the finals for Cruz, but with a loss, his longest shot at 514 feet.
- Steve Benko: Sees Cruz’s peak at 522 feet and advancing past the first round.
- Jeremiah Miller: Expects a maximum hit of 509 feet, with Cruz losing in the finals.
The excitement is building as the baseball community prepares for this annual slugfest. Tune in to watch the Home Run Derby on Monday, July 14, 2025, followed by the All-Star Game on Tuesday, July 15, at Atlanta’s Truist Park.