MLB’s Home Run Derby X Expands in 2025

MLB and the Atlanta Braves will host the first Home Run Derby X stop on July 13 on the campus of Georgia Tech as part of All-Star Week. The rest of the schedule is July 26 at Dell Diamond in Round Rock, Texas; August 9 at Durham Bulls Athletic Park in Durham, North Carolina; August 23 at Bricktown Ballpark, in Oklahoma City; August 30 at Principal Park in Des Moines and September 13 at a venue to be revealed.

The winning team at each stop as well as two wild cards will advance to the finals September 19–20 at The Ballpark at America First Square in Daybreak, Utah, in the Salt Lake Valley. The winning team will get a $200,000 prize.

MLB Home Run Derby X is a Home Run Derby with defense with a single game taking about 30 minutes. Each player gets one at bat of timed at 2:30 with the opposing team in the outfield to make catches. Teams earn offensive points for home runs and defensive points for catches. At the end of the game, the team with the most points wins.

Bonus points are earned by hitting home runs through a centerfield target. During each at bat, batters can call for a hot streak of 5 swings where everything counts double. In the final minute of an at bat, batters can tag in a teammate.

“Last year’s tour was absolutely awesome and I’m so happy we are adding more stops this year,” said Nick Swisher. “Fans should not be surprised to see them steal the show. Everyone loves Home Run Derby X – and I can’t wait to get back at it.”

The MLB players that have agreed to participate include Rick Ankiel, Jake Arrieta, Lorenzo Cain, Michael Cuddyer, Ian Desmond, Jonny Gomes, Alex Gordon, Adrián González, Ryan Howard, Andruw Jones, Daniel Murphy, Manny Ramírez, Nick Swisher, Adam Wainwright, Ryan Zimmerman, and Ben Zobrist. Among the softball players who have agreed to participate are highlighted by Jocelyn Alo and Hannah Flippen.

“After hearing what a great time Nick and Manny had in last year’s Home Run Derby X, I’m excited to put the uniform back on and take some swings for the fans,” Zobrist said. “I’m looking forward to going back to some of the great ballparks and cities I played in on my way to the Major Leagues.”