Wednesday morning, Caminero posted on Instagram he had accepted an invitation to be in the Home Run Derby. Then, during Wednesday’s game in Detroit, he got word that he was going to be in the AL lineup, as fan-elected starter Jose Ramirez withdrew in order to rest during the break.

Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh enters the Derby as the favorite, with his MLB-leading 38 home runs at the All-Star break just one short of Barry Bonds' first-half mark from 2001 – the year he went on to set the single-season home run record.

Pittsburgh’s Oneil Cruz hit a 513-foot drive over Truist Park’s right-center field seats while advancing to the second round of the All-Star Home Run Derby along with Seattle’s Cal Raleigh, Tampa Bay’s Junior Caminero and Minnesota’s Byron Buxton.

Home Run Derby participants Byron Buxton and Junior Caminero talk about their mindsets for tonight and how they plan to stay fresh

Chisholm is too skinny. Caminero and Wood are too young, Raleigh is the current home run leader, and Cruz is the betting favorite. Our pick: Matt Olson (+900, FanDuel ). The joy of six! Julio Rodríguez, Randy Arozarena, Mitch Garner, Jorge Polanco and Cole Young homered and the Mariners doubled up the Tigers 8-4.

Take a deep dive into how the 2025 Home Run Derby contestants have performed in fantasy baseball, with analysis on Cal Raleigh, Junior Caminero, and more.

Raleigh will become the second-ever player to switch hit in the Derby ( Adley Rutschman in 2023, lost 2nd round), plus no catcher has ever won the derby. This is year 39 of the event, so odds are against Raleigh despite him being the favorite.